Swinney Embraces ‘Incredible Chance’ as Scotland’s New First Minister
John Swinney, who led the SNP from 2000 to 2004, has made a political comeback as Scotland’s first minister.
John Swinney, the new leader of the SNP, has been sworn in as Scotland’s first minister, expressing it as an “extraordinary opportunity.”
He received support from the 63 SNP MSPs and Ash Regan from the Alba Party.
Scotland’s Lord President Lord Carloway oversaw the ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday morning.
Mr. Swinney, aged 60, completed his declarations to become first minister and keeper of the Scottish Seal.
Following the ceremony, he remarked, “It’s an extraordinary opportunity to make positive changes in people’s lives, and I will make use of every available moment to do so.”
Kate Forbes Appointed Deputy First Minister
He is set to announce his full Cabinet soon, with his first appointment being Kate Forbes as deputy first minister.
Related Stories
Ms. Forbes served as finance secretary under former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Despite withdrawing from the leadership race to succeed her in March 2023 due to her religious beliefs conflicting with SNP views on gender identity, she has now been appointed as deputy first minister.
Accompanied by his family at the ceremony, Mr. Swinney referred to it as an “overwhelming moment.”
He stated, “I anticipate dedicating my future to serving the people of Scotland.”
Although Mr. Swinney led the SNP from 2000 to 2004, the party’s electoral success came under subsequent leaders Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon.
As the Perthshire North MSP, Mr. Swinney is the seventh individual to hold the position of first minister since devolution was introduced 25 years ago.
The first three officeholders were from the Labour Party, while the subsequent four—Salmond, Sturgeon, Yousaf, and now Swinney—have been from the SNP.
Mr. Swinney assumed leadership of the SNP after Graeme McCormick opted not to challenge him.
Some within the party have advocated for a second independence referendum without Westminster’s consent, akin to Catalonia’s referendum in Spain. At last year’s party conference, Mr. McCormick described Mr. Yousaf’s position as “flatulence in a trance.”
Prior to revealing his new Cabinet, Mr. Swinney stated, “It’s crucial that I form a Cabinet that leverages the strengths and talents of the Scottish National Party, a Cabinet capable of working collaboratively with Parliament and other parties to advance our agenda.”
Following her appointment, Ms. Forbes released a statement expressing, “I am deeply honored to accept John’s invitation to be his deputy first minister.”
“This is an extraordinary privilege for me. Having previously served in Cabinet, I understand the responsibility that all ministers have in reflecting the Government’s priorities and objectives,” she added.
Ms. Forbes affirmed, “I am excited to collaborate with John and Cabinet colleagues, serving the people of Scotland and striving towards building a better nation.”
In 2023 Forbes Said Scottish Politics Was ‘Illiberal’
Last year, when Ms. Forbes faced backlash due to her religious beliefs and opposition to same-sex marriage, she raised questions about the concept of liberalism in Scotland.
“Because if certain individuals are beyond acceptable limits, it signifies dark and dangerous times for Scotland,” Ms. Forbes added.
Earlier this week, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar remarked, “At a time when Scotland is in need of change, the SNP is offering more of the same. John Swinney has been an integral part of this ineffective government for 17 years and has been associated with the SNP for 40 years.”
The next Scottish Parliament elections are not until 2026.
PA Media contributed to this report.
