It has been reported that 25 people were part of a summit which discussed Swinney’s future.
Senior SNP figures met to plot the ousting of John Swinney as party leader in the wake of Hamilton by-election defeat.
The Herald has reported that 25 people were presented, with one claiming Swinney could face a leadership challenge this year unless he brings forward a new independence strategy within two weeks.
The First Minister is facing growing criticism after the SNP lost to Labour last week in Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse.
Party figures believe he has no strategy for independence and are frustrated at a lack of boldness on domestic policy.
The rebels are reported to have met on Monday to discuss a possible leadership challenge.
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An SNP insider said: “NEC members better start looking for new hobbies unless the leadership announces a change of direction soon — because at this rate we are heading for a mass clear-out.
“It feels like Groundhog Day. The last time John was in charge he dropped independence, surrounded himself only by people who agreed with him, and pushed out the likes of Margo [McDonald] and anyone who challenged his devolutionist strategy.
“For those with short memories, that ended in a bruising defeat. If he stays, we will be heading for a repeat. What is left of the membership will not tolerate it.
“The ability to make the case for independence is not a desirable part of the job description — it is essential — and he has failed on probation.
“The Presbyterian schoolmaster might fly in Perthshire — but in the rest of Scotland it just does not land. Stabilising the party only works for a short time. There is no energy, no fire, no boldness, no long-term vision.”
SNP rules dictate that any member who can secure 100 nominations from 20 different branches ahead of conference can trigger a leadership vote.
Swinney was criticised for a by-election strategy which claimed the contest was a straight fight between the SNP and Reform, even though Labour ended up winning.
He was also SNP leader between 2000 and 2004, but was ousted after a leadership challenge by party member Bill Wilson.
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