SNP leader accuses Westminster of ‘complete failure to get a grip' of cost of living crisis and promises ‘bold action' John Swinney declared he is “only just getting started” as Scotland's First Minister, as he announced plans to tackle the cost-of-living crisis by capping the price of essential food if his party wins the Holyrood election. With exactly three weeks to go to polling day on May 7, the SNP leader said rising costs faced by households are the “defining issue of this election”.