Backbenchers up in arms

JOHN SWINNEY is facing a backbench rebellion over cuts to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS).

- By David Walker

The First Minister is under increasing pressure after a swathe of failures, including a botched Scottish independence push.

He will convene the SNP conference next month where his Scexit plans will go to a debate which could seal his fate as party leader.

In the meantime, he has insisted he is focusing on his main goals to make Scotland better, including eradicating child poverty and tackling climate change.

But public services have nosedived under nationalist rule and could be about to get even worse.

Risk

Fire service bosses are consulting on making major changes which would see some fire stations closed whilst others would be downgraded or see 24/7 cover reduced to weekdays only.

Up to 13 stations are at risk of being shut down and the permanent withdrawal of 10 appliances is mooted.