Former Holyrood Deputy First Minister John Swinney confirms he is running to succeed Humza Yousaf as both SNP leader and Scotland's next First Minister. The veteran MSP claims he can 'unite the party'.
Kate Forbes today dramatically pulled out of the SNP leadership race - putting John Swinney on track for a coronation.
Nominations do not close until next Monday, but it looks highly unlikely that any other contender will emerge now. He said Ms Forbes was a 'intelligent, creative, thoughtful person who has much to contribute' to public life. In her statement this afternoon, Ms Forbes said: 'Ultimately, I have concluded that the best way to deliver the urgent change Scotland needs is to join with John Swinney and advocate for that reform agenda within the Scottish Government.'
She has been boosted by a poll indicating that while Mr Swinney is more popular among SNP activists, the wider public would prefer her as First Minister.
News Nicola Sturgeon Edinburgh SNP Humza Yousaf Kate Forbes European Elections
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
SNP leadership polling finds SNP voters back John SwinneyBoth are seen as better picks than Anas Sarwar and Douglas Ross.
Read more »
John Swinney Confirms He Is Running To Be SNP Leader And First MinisterKevin Schofield is Politics Editor of HuffPost UK.
Read more »
SNP leadership race: John Swinney announces bid to succeed Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first ministerThe search is currently on to find a new leader for the SNP and Scotland following Mr Yousaf's resignation on Monday.
Read more »
John Swinney confirms bid to run for SNP leadership and become first ministerHe was deputy first minister under Nicola Sturgeon, but has been on the backbenches since Humza Yousaf replaced her.
Read more »
John Swinney confirms bid to run for SNP leadership and become first ministerHe was deputy first minister under Nicola Sturgeon, but has been on the backbenches since Humza Yousaf replaced her.
Read more »
SNP leadership contest LIVE as John Swinney confirms he will stand to become First MinisterSwinney, who previously led the party from 2000-2004, said he has the experience to lead the SNP in minority government.
Read more »