Premiership of John Swinney
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| Premiership of John Swinney 8 May 2024 – present | |
| Monarch | Charles III |
|---|---|
| Cabinet | Swinney government |
| Party | Scottish National Party |
| Seat | Bute House |
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|---|---|---|
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Leader of the Scottish National Party Incumbent Cabinet positions (2007-2023)
First Minister of Scotland (2024-present)
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John Swinney's term as First Minister of Scotland began on 8 May 2024, when he was formally sworn into office at the Court of Session, upon Humza Yousaf's resignation.
Swinney previously served as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) from 2000 to 2004, when the party was in opposition. Yousaf announced his resignation as party leader and first minister on 29 April 2024, amid a government crisis. Swinney announced his leadership bid on 2 May, but faced potential leadership challenges from Kate Forbes and Graeme McCormick. Both candidates eventually decided not to stand and endorsed Swinney, who was therefore elected unopposed as the SNP party leader on 6 May.
Background[edit]
Following the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, the SNP had been in a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens.[1] In April 2024, Yousaf terminated the agreement, following changes to landmark climate policy by Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy. Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater, co-leaders of the Greens, announced they would support a no confidence motion in Yousaf.[2] Amid the crisis, Yousaf announced his resignation as party leader and first minister on 29 April.[3]
Leadership election[edit]
On 2 May, Swinney launched his leadership bid, after Kate Forbes, who was a serious contender to become leader, declined to stand and endorsed him.[4]
Graeme McCormick announced he would challenge Swinney for the leadership, saying he had the 100 nominations on 5 May.[5] Just hours later, he withdrew and endorsed Swinney, becoming the presumptive nominee.[6]
On 6 May, with no other candidates put forward, Swinney was elected as party leader unopposed.[7]
Tenure[edit]
Government formation[edit]
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Swinney was officially sworn into office as First Minister of Scotland on 8 May 2024 at the Court of Session in Edinburgh after receiving the Royal Warrant of Appointment by King Charles III.[8]
The majority of Swinney's cabinet were previously part of Humza Yousaf's previous governments. The only addition to the cabinet was Kate Forbes replacing Shona Robison as Deputy First Minister of Scotland, and taking part of Màiri McAllan's responsibility for economy into her portfolio as Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic.[9] Robison was, however, re-appointed by Swinney as Finance Secretary with additional responsibility for local government, with McAllan appointed as the reduced portfolio of Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy.[10]
References[edit]
- ^ "Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater: Who are the new Green ministers?". BBC News. 30 August 2021. Archived from the original on 19 April 2023. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ Williams, Craig (25 April 2024). "Scottish Greens will vote to oust first minister". BBC News. Archived from the original on 26 April 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "Humza Yousaf to quit as Scotland's first minister". BBC News. 29 April 2024. Archived from the original on 29 April 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "John Swinney looks set to be first minister as Kate Forbes backs him". BBC News. 1 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "SNP leadership: Veteran activist in bid to stop John Swinney's coronation". The Herald. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "SNP leadership challenger Graeme McCormick pulls out of race". Sky News. 5 May 2024. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ Cochrane, Angus (6 May 2024). "John Swinney wins SNP leadership unopposed". BBC News. BBC. Retrieved 6 May 2024.
- ^ "New First Minister nominated". www.gov.scot. 2024-05-07. Retrieved 2024-05-09.
- ^ "Deputy First Minister stands down". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 2024-05-08.
- ^ "New Scottish Cabinet". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 2024-05-08.