John Swinney elected as Scotland’s new first minister – BBC News

May 7, 2024

Summary

John Swinney is elected as Scotland’s seventh first minister after becoming the new SNP leader
He is expected to be confirmed in the role and sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday
Swinney was voted in as the parliament’s nominee, achieving a majority at the first vote of 64 votes to 57. The Scottish Greens abstained.
Humza Yousaf, who earlier had formally tendered his resignation as first minister, made a personal statement ahead of the vote
Yousaf paid tribute to his friend John Swinney in his speech, and also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross urged the new FM elect to change direction and put Scottish independence on the backburner
Anas Sarwar, for Scottish Labour, also called for a new direction and an end to “incompetence” in managing public services
In his speech, Swinney promised a more collaborative approach and said he would be first minister “for everyone in Scotland”
He said one of his priorities was to eradicate child poverty and he also praised his wife Elizabeth, who has MS, for her support