SNP’s John Swinney voted in as Scotland’s First Minister

New SNP leader John Swinney is to become Scotland’s next first minister after winning a vote at Holyrood.

Mr Swinney won the backing of 64 MSPs, with his nearest rival Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross picking up 31.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar secured 22 votes with the head of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, winning four.

The seven Scottish Green MSPs abstained.

It comes just eight days after predecessor Humza Yousaf announced he was stepping down, after his decision to terminate the power-sharing agreement that the SNP had with the Scottish Greens at Holyrood left him facing a vote of no confidence in his leadership.

Mr Yousaf formally tendered his resignation to King Charles earlier today.

John Swinney told the Scottish Parliament: “I am leading a minority government. I will need to reach out to others to make things happen to pass legislation to agree a budget.”

He said Parliament is “intensely polarised”, adding: “I accept my part in creating that environment, whether that is by shouting put-downs from the front bench or heckling from a sedantry position.

“I do promise Presiding Officer, that that will all stop. I have changed.”

Amid laughter in the chamber, he added: “Perhaps time will tell on that one.”

Concluding his speech at Holyrood, he said: “To the people of Scotland, I would say simply this: I offer myself to be the First Minister for everyone in Scotland.

“I am here to serve you. I will give everything I have to build the best future for our country.”

Speaking to reporters outside the Scottish Parliament chamber, John Swinney said: “I think we’ve got off to a tremendous start. I think it’s very clear that my party wants to move forward constructively and positively.”

The veteran MSP said he is “absolutely over the moon” to have been voted in as First Minister.

He added: “I didn’t expect to become the First Minister of Scotland, despite my long involvement in politics and my long ministerial service.

“So, it’s a bit of a surprise to have come to me at this particular moment.

“So, I’m thrilled. I look forward to the challenge and I will give it everything I have got within me.”