Ex-deputy first minister John Swinney has announced his decision to run for the leadership of the Scottish National Party (SNP), aiming to replace the outgoing Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister. If he is victorious, it would be Mr Swinney’s second stint as party leader, having previously held the position from 2000 to 2004.
Mr Swinney held the office of deputy first minister for over eight years, serving under Nicola Sturgeon. His bid for the leadership has received backing from prominent SNP personalities such as Stephen Flynn, the leader in Westminster, Neil Gray, the health secretary for Scotland, and Jenny Gilruth, the Scottish education secretary.
Kate Forbes, the former finance secretary at Holyrood, has also been suggested as a potential successor to Mr Yousaf, who stepped down on Monday. Ms Forbes, who had private discussions with Mr Swinney on Tuesday, plans to declare her intentions for the leadership position later on Thursday.
Speaking at the Grassmarket Community Project in Edinburgh, Mr Swinney announced his candidacy and indicated that he would strive to expand the achievements of the SNP government to establish a progressive, diverse, and vibrant Scotland with opportunities for every citizen. He underscored his commitment to unity, both within the SNP and Scotland, and declared his intent to run for independence.
Assuming he gets elected, he envisions a consolidated party unit and hopes Ms Forbes will take on a significant role within that team. In dismissing any suggestion of being a temporary fill-in, Mr Swinney asserted that he was “no caretaker, no interim leader”.
Mr Swinney, who has represented North Tayside at the Scottish Parliament since its establishment in 1999 and previously at Westminster in 1997, is a longstanding MSP.