The Scottish Budget is expected to be announced by the Finance Secretary on December 4 with the bill to be voted on later.
This Sunday, The Herald revealed the Scottish LibDems are considering abstaining on the budget in a move which could allow the government’s financial plans to pass.
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In a speech to representatives from organisations across the public and private sectors ahead of St Andrew’s Day, Mr Swinney will reflect on his approach to leadership and why challenges must be ‘understood and solved from the bottom up’.
Speaking ahead of the Scottish Budget, John Swinney is expected to say: “Every single day, I meet inspirational people from all walks of life – people who are doing their bit to make their community, their business or their country that wee bit better today than it was yesterday.
“When added together, those efforts form the engine of progress that is driving our country forward. For me, unlocking that potential is what government is about – it is about creating the conditions for every person in Scotland to thrive.
“I do not believe in trying to solve problems from the top down. Rather, I believe they need to be understood and solved from the bottom up. I am not here to dictate from on high to those on the front line. I am prepared to roll my sleeves up every single day to properly understand barriers to their progress and to find solutions. And in identifying those solutions, I am not looking for quick-fixes or sticking plasters.
“I am here to do the hard work, to lay the foundations for lasting improvements to our country, our economy, and our society. I do not pretend that this style of government is always headline-grabbing, but I do believe it is effective. And, in the long run, I know the results will speak for themselves.”
The Scottish Government may face difficulties passing its Budget Bill after the collapse of the coalition deal with their former partners in government the Scottish Greens.
In September, Green co-leader Lorna Slater said cuts to her party’s priorities would make it hard for it to back the budget.
If the Scottish Government is unable to pass its budget this could result in an early Holyrood election.
