Achi news desk-
This is the second time he has held the position, last leading the party two decades ago.
Speaking to X, Mr Swinney said it was “a great honor to be elected leader of @theSNP” and that he would “give everything I have to serve my Party and my Country.”
I am very honored to be elected Leader @theSNP. I will give all I have to serve my Party and my Country.
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) May 6, 2024
He is expected to give an acceptance speech in Glasgow later this afternoon.
READ MORE: Swinney’s leadership bid has given the SNP an ‘immediate lift’
The leadership contest was triggered after Mr Yousaf confirmed his intention to resign last Monday.
His position became untenable after his shock decision to end the SNP’s power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens. He faced two confidence votes and was in danger of losing both.
It is believed that the process of formally taking his place as Prime Minister could happen quite quickly, and Mr Yousaf is expected to present his resignation to the King tomorrow.
A Holyrood vote to formally appoint Mr Swinney could take place soon after.
Although the SNP does not have a majority in parliament, it is unlikely that it will face any real difficulty.
The Scottish Greens have said their HPA will meet to discuss their approach to the votes being held this week.
Patrick Harvie, co-convener of the party, said: “We are committed to realizing our vision of a fairer, greener and more equal Scotland, and we are open to discussions with John Swinney and his team about how we can work together to make that happen. .”
He said they will support the former deputy prime minister, but only if he follows “progressive” policies.
“Scotland needs a period of stable government. Mr Swinney knows that if he wants to have our support, he must be based on progressive policies that help us tackle the climate crisis and build a fairer and more equal future.”
He added: “There are already many important policies on the way to deliver as a result of the Bute House Agreement, including better rights for tenants and rent controls, transforming the way we heat our homes and a blanket ban on conversion therapy.
“We remain fully committed to these policies and will oppose any departure from them or steps to weaken them. It is also clear that the new Climate Measure must be used to ensure the speed of change which has been lacking since the SNP started to miss climate targets.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “I congratulate John Swinney on becoming leader of the SNP for a second term.
“We urge him to rule over the whole of Scotland by abandoning his relentless push for independence – but, judging by his leadership launch slogan, that looks like an ill-advised hope.”
Mr Ross said there had been a “stitch-up” to “secure the coronation of John Swinney.”
The nominations in the SNP leadership contest closed at midday.
Over the weekend, there was speculation that activist Graeme McCormick could introduce a motion after he secured the necessary number of signatures from members.
But late on Sunday he said he would be back out of the race after a “long and fruitful” conversation with Mr Swinney.
Meanwhile, SNP deputy leader Keith Brown said the party had received an “immediate lift” on the doorstep after Mr Swinney put his name forward to replace Mr Yousaf.
He also said the opposition had made a tactical error by allowing the SNP’s “biggest hitter” to take over.
Speaking to the BBC’s Good Morning Scotland radio programme, Mr Brown said it was important to respect the SNP’s democratic processes.
He said: “The field seems to be cleaning up a bit and it looks like John Swinney is the only nominee.”
Mr Brown described Mr Swinney as the “biggest hitter in the SNP” who would “pretty much” scare unionist parties.
He continued: “I also understand over the weekend, of course, we’ve got people out canvassing and they’ve already reported a positive increase in turnout coming back from those canvassing sessions.
“So there is an immediate boost from the discussions that John Swinney has had first of all with Kate Forbes and, it seems now, with Graeme McCormick.”
READ MORE: Changes on the way for BBC Scotland as decisions emerge for Swinney
Mr Swinney’s move to Bute House comes as the poll predicts a turbulent time for the SNP.
A survey by Norstat – formerly known as Panelbase – found that support for independence remains largely unchanged, but that Labor is about to overtake the SNP in Westminster and Holyrood.
According to the Sunday Times poll, the SNP would win 29% of the vote, while Labor would take 34%.
Professor Sir John Curtice told the paper that Mr Swinney’s party would hold just 15 of its 43 seats with Scottish Labor winning 28.
More to follow…
