The former deputy first minister said he had to do the right thing by his party and his country.
John Swinney has said he is giving “very careful consideration” to standing to be the next leader of the SNP in the wake of Humza Yousaf’s emotional resignation.
Mr Swinney, who left the role of deputy first minister when Nicola Sturgeon stepped down as first minister last year, said he had been “somewhat overwhelmed” by messages from colleagues in the SNP urging him to take on the role. He added: “I’ve got lots of things to think about, there’s the whole question of my family, and I have make sure I do the right thing by family, they are precious to me.”
Mr Swinney is the “cool, calm head” the public deserve, Mr Flynn said, with a record in politics “unsurpassed in many respects”. The ending of that agreement left Mr Yousaf facing two votes of no confidence – one in him as first minister and one in his Government as a whole.With the SNP lacking an overall majority at Holyrood, and with the Greens having made clear they could no longer support Mr Yousaf remaining in post, there had been speculation he could turn to Ash Regan of the Alba Party in a bid to win a no confidence vote.
Humza Yousaf leaves with his wife, Nadia El-Nakla, after announcing he is standing down as first minister
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.
John Swinney considering standing for SNP leadership after Yousaf resignationThe former deputy first minister said he is giving 'active' consideration to an SNP leadership bid.
Read more »
Sturgeon ally John Swinney gains momentum in SNP battle to replace Humza YousafHumza Yousaf announced he is resigning in a tearful statement after failing to drum up enough support to survive a confidence vote.
Read more »
John Swinney fuels speculation he will succeed Humza Yousaf as First MinisterYousaf is expected to quit today and senior party figures want Swinney to step up.
Read more »
John Swinney is seen as the only SNP figure who could lead a minority GovernmentDaily Record Political Editor Paul Hutcheon says party elders want the former Finance Cabinet Secretary to succeed Yousaf.
Read more »
Humza Yousaf QUITS as First Minister of Scotland as SNP government in turmoil...Humza Yousaf could be booted out as First Minister after Tory move
Read more »
Humza Yousaf quits as First Minister after turbulent year as SNP leaderThe SNP leader will leave Bute House barely a year after he won a bitter leadership contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
Read more »