Swinney was the only nominee after he persuaded former Finance Secretary Kate Forbes to join his team rather than challenge him, in a move billed a 'stitch-up' by opponents.
Twenty years ago, John Swinney was hounded from the leadership of the SNP after a disastrous four years in charge.
John Swinney was today confirmed as the new leader of the Scottish National Party following the resignation of Humza Yousaf. Mr Swinney – who also led the party from 2000 until 2004 and served as Nicola Sturgeon’s Deputy First Minister – is expected to be formally installed as First Minister later this week. The SNP’s nomination process closed at noon today and Mr Swinney was the sole nominee. Mr Swinney, 60, was born in Edinburgh and went to Forrester High School, before attending Edinburgh...
Former Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney said he was “deeply honoured” to have become the new leader of the SNP.
A veteran activist had secured a nomination but agreed to back front-runner Swinney at the 11th hour.
Accepting the leadership of the SNP on Monday, John Swinney said his political priority as Scotland’s seventh First Minister would…What to read next: No, the war in Gaza is not like Vietnam | Is John Cleese right that the ‘literal minded’ have killed comedy? | The war on Kate Forbes | Whoever wins the SNP leadership race, the party loses
The new party leader is expected to be nominated by MSPs as first minister as early as Tuesday.
Graeme McCormick said he had the support to run but is backing former Scottish deputy first minister, who is sole official candidateA Scottish National party activist has pulled out of the race to become its new leader and has endorsed John Swinney as Scotland’s next first minister.Graeme McCormick, who stood to become SNP president in 2023, earlier claimed he could gather the 100 signatures needed from 20 different party branches to mount a challenge for the leadership. Continue reading
He steps into the role with a Westminster election months away - and a drop in the SNP's ratings.
Scotland's likely next leader John Swinney is a political veteran who will have to unify his fractured separatist party and revitalise its flagging independence movement. The 60-year-old belongs, named Monday as the new Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, is part of the party's old guard. He is also an ally
The former deputy first minister was the only person to put himself forward to succeed Humza Yousaf, who is expected to formally step down this week
Nominations for the SNP leadership race close at noon, with Mr John Swinney expected to run uncontested with plenty of support.