Special report: Scottish Parliament Elections 2026 | Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg

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First Minister John Swinney has told BBC News he is "confident" that the SNP will win a majority at next month's Scottish Parliament election. In an interview for Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Swinney made his boldest prediction yet - claiming the SNP will win the 65 seats it needs for a majority. Such a result, he insists, would provide a mandate for a second independence referendum. Scotland's other largest parties have urged voters to back them to prevent an SNP majority, or accused the first minister of bluffing. Scottish Liberal Democrats leader Alex Cole-Hamilton dismissed Swinney's claim, and predicted his party would make gains next month. He said voters were "rightly sceptical of SNP promises of endless freebies", adding that the Lib Dems had published "a costed manifesto with a focus on access to health and tackling the cost of living crisis". Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay said: "It is no surprise that John Swinney is trying to encourage people to vote for his party, but if the last five years show one thing it's that he needs Green MSPs pushing him out of his comfort zone if we are to deliver the change that Scotland needs." A Reform UK spokesperson said: "John Swinney can claim whatever he likes but after nearly two decades of SNP failure, Scots know the reality which is struggling public services and broken promises. "This election is far from decided, and voters have a real opportunity to reject more of the same and choose a different direction for Scotland." And Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: "If John Swinney's arrogant boast of a majority comes true then Scotland will be plunged into fresh constitutional chaos. "We're the only party that can be trusted to stand up for the Union and stand up to the SNP." For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news