John Swinney is set to become the seventh First Minister of Scotland, following his nomination by the parliament. He will be succeeding Humza Yousaf, who stepped down from the position earlier on Tuesday.
Swinney, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), received the support of 64 Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs), while the seven MSPs from the Scottish Green Party abstained, ensuring he had the necessary majority.
His appointment will be formally approved by the King and he will be officially sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressed his anticipation of working constructively with the new First Minister on social media platform X, focusing on key issues such as job creation, economic growth, and improving public services for the people of Scotland.
Swinney, who has 16 years of cabinet experience and previously led the SNP from 2000 to 2004, will assume office during the week marking the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament’s devolution.
He was appointed as the leader of the SNP without opposition on Monday after potential contender Kate Forbes decided not to run. Forbes has been promised a significant role in Swinney’s government.
A leadership contest was averted when long-time SNP activist Graeme McCormick withdrew his rival bid after discussions with Swinney.
In his address to the MSPs, Swinney struck a conciliatory tone, acknowledging the accomplishments of other major parties in the devolved parliament. He committed to listening to the views of those who voted for pro-independence parties in the 2021 election, as well as those who voted against.
Swinney stated that his government would prioritize the economy, the National Health Service, and other public services, along with efforts to alleviate child poverty.
He expressed surprise and immense privilege at becoming the First Minister, especially after stepping down from the cabinet last year. He thanked his wife, Elizabeth Quigley, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and depends on his support, for her unwavering support in his decision to run for the position.
Swinney pledged to serve all the people of Scotland, promising to dedicate all his efforts to building a prosperous future for the country.
Earlier, Yousaf addressed the parliament, expressing his honor and privilege to have led the country. Yousaf, the son of Pakistani parents and the first Muslim to lead a country in Western Europe, shared that he had often been told to “go home” throughout his life. He affirmed his deep connection to Scotland, stating, “I have no other home than this one. I never will, I never have. My heart will forever belong to Scotland.”
