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John Swinney

Kate Forbes' views on social issues proved not to be the barrier to high office that some in the SNP had expected (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Why Forbes may be the real winner of the SNP leadership contest – Murdo Fraser

Humza Yousaf reacts as he is elected the new SNP leader. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
Humza Yousaf reacts as he is elected the new SNP leader. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Humza Yousaf pledges to 'reach across the divide' after bitter SNP race

Ash Regan (left) and Kate Forbes (right) applaud after Humza Yousaf was named as the party's new leader. Picture: AFP via Getty Images
Ash Regan (left) and Kate Forbes (right) applaud after Humza Yousaf was named as the party's new leader. Picture: AFP via Getty Images

Why Humza Yousaf was the establishment-backed candidate

Scots who have worked hardest in their lives to accumulate pensions savings towards funding a comfortable retirement over many years are now being targeted, a reader says
Scots who have worked hardest in their lives to accumulate pensions savings towards funding a comfortable retirement over many years are now being targeted, a reader says

Readers' Letters: Pensions clarity is a prerequisite for independence

Humza Yousaf is seen during the First Ministers Questions (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)
Humza Yousaf is seen during the First Ministers Questions (Photo by Peter Summers/Getty Images)

Humza Yousaf hopes to have Nicola Sturgeon ‘on speed dial' if he wins

Finance secretary Kate Forbes (left), ex-minister Ash Regan (centre), and health secretary Humza Yousaf (right) are seen arriving at the BBC televised leadership debate in Edinburgh. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty images
Finance secretary Kate Forbes (left), ex-minister Ash Regan (centre), and health secretary Humza Yousaf (right) are seen arriving at the BBC televised leadership debate in Edinburgh. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty images

Panic has set in within SNP, say party insiders

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney (left) arrive for her last First Minster's Questions. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney (left) arrive for her last First Minster's Questions. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Swinney said he tried to leave Government years ago, but Sturgeon stopped him

Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Divisions in Scottish politics on full display as Sturgeon era draws to a close

On Friday, the First Minister will carry out her last official engagement after her her final 286th FMQs.
On Friday, the First Minister will carry out her last official engagement after her her final 286th FMQs.

An emotional Nicola Sturgeon delivers final address to Scottish Parliament as FM

The Scottish Government is following the UK in banning TikTok from official devices
The Scottish Government is following the UK in banning TikTok from official devices

Scottish Government bans TikTok from work devices over cybersecurity fears

There will be a minutes silence at midday today to mark lives lost during the pandemic on the third anniversary of the first lockdown.
There will be a minutes silence at midday today to mark lives lost during the pandemic on the third anniversary of the first lockdown.

Minute's silence planned to mark pandemic lockdown anniversary

Nicola Sturgeon, seen with Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate during the COP26 summit in Glasgow, put significant energy into climate change issues (Picture: Jane Barlow/PA)
Nicola Sturgeon, seen with Ugandan activist Vanessa Nakate during the COP26 summit in Glasgow, put significant energy into climate change issues (Picture: Jane Barlow/PA)

Why is climate change the forgotten issue in SNP leadership contest?

The Scottish Parliament building. Picture: Getty Images
The Scottish Parliament building. Picture: Getty Images

Strategy recommends 3.5% pay increase for public sector workers

Deputy First Minister John Swinney delivers a budget statement to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney delivers a budget statement to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh.

Scotland could face average £10bn in cuts per year as health costs soar

Glen Sannox at the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow in October. Picture: John Devlin
Glen Sannox at the Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow in October. Picture: John Devlin

Delayed ferry Glen Sannox will need weeks of trials after completion – CalMac

John Swinney told MSPs not to shout at him during testy exchanges in the Scottish Parliament over two delayed and over-budget ferries being built for Calmac (Picture: Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/pool/PA)
John Swinney told MSPs not to shout at him during testy exchanges in the Scottish Parliament over two delayed and over-budget ferries being built for Calmac (Picture: Fraser Bremner/Scottish Daily Mail/pool/PA)

There's still a lot to shout about over ferry scandal, Mr Swinney – Brian Wilson

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with her close aide Liz Lloyd
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon with her close aide Liz Lloyd

Nicola Sturgeon's close adviser Liz Lloyd announces she will quit Government

Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow
Ferguson Marine shipyard in Port Glasgow

Embattled ferries delayed again for a further six months

Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan are running to be Scotland's next First Minister
Kate Forbes, Humza Yousaf, and Ash Regan are running to be Scotland's next First Minister

SNP leadership candidates call for independent auditor amid concerns over vote

Stephen Flynn has rejected claims the SNP is facing an “existential crisis” amid infighting within the leadership contest.
Stephen Flynn has rejected claims the SNP is facing an “existential crisis” amid infighting within the leadership contest.

No ‘existential crisis’ within SNP amid leadership battle, insists Flynn

John Swinney is backing Humza Yousaf
John Swinney is backing Humza Yousaf

John Swinney declares backing for Humza Yousaf in SNP leadership campaign

John Swinney's resignation is a sign that the SNP is in trouble (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)
John Swinney's resignation is a sign that the SNP is in trouble (Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images)

Why there could be another SNP leadership contest next year – Jackie Baillie

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn insisted the departures could be good for his party.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn insisted the departures could be good for his party.

Stephen Flynn says Nicola Sturgeon and John Swinney exit is 'chance for renewal'

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney arrive for First Minster's Questions last Thursday
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney arrive for First Minster's Questions last Thursday

Euan McColm: Why the SNP’s new guard needs to taste defeat

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced he will step down as Deputy First Minister (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced he will step down as Deputy First Minister (Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images)

Readers' Letters: Why are top-tier SNP people stepping away?

Republican candidate Richard Nixon celebrates winning the 1968 US presidential election (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Republican candidate Richard Nixon celebrates winning the 1968 US presidential election (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)

Politics needs more serious debate, fewer 'gotcha' questions – Stewart McDonald

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney (left) arrive for First Minster's Questions. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Deputy First Minister John Swinney (left) arrive for First Minster's Questions. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon 'wrestled' with idea of leaving at same time

Teachers from the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union take part in a rally outside the Tramway in Glasgow
Teachers from the Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) union take part in a rally outside the Tramway in Glasgow

Scottish teaching union ‘hopeful’ of new pay offer imminently

Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced he is leaving the Scottish Government after Nicola Sturgeon steps down as First minister.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced he is leaving the Scottish Government after Nicola Sturgeon steps down as First minister.

John Swinney to resign from government

Humza Yousaf taking part in the first SNP leadership hustings in Cumbernauld.
Humza Yousaf taking part in the first SNP leadership hustings in Cumbernauld.

Humza Yousaf plans £1m community fund to boost cost-of-living support

Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack arrives in Downing Street, London.
Secretary of State for Scotland Alister Jack arrives in Downing Street, London.

Deposit Return Scheme: Row over key legal exemption for scheme rumbles on

SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes has come under fire for her views on a number of social issues (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)
SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes has come under fire for her views on a number of social issues (Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)

Brian Wilson: Attacks on Kate Forbes are intolerance dressed up as liberalism

The ferries are years late and millions over budget
The ferries are years late and millions over budget

Ferguson Marine shipyard warned as it misses deadline to file accounts

Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes are the main frontrunners in the race to become the next First Minister
Humza Yousaf and Kate Forbes are the main frontrunners in the race to become the next First Minister

Critics 'trying to cancel' Forbes over religious views as Yousaf gains support

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon

Nicola Sturgeon: The views of the next first minister 'matter'

Ash Regan
Ash Regan

Ash Regan calls for end to ‘mudslinging’ in SNP leadership race

Deputy First Minister John Swinney. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Deputy First Minister John Swinney. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

John Swinney 'profoundly' disagrees with Kate Forbes religious stance

John Swinney has u-turned on a proposed 10 per cent budget cut for Creative Scotland. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
John Swinney has u-turned on a proposed 10 per cent budget cut for Creative Scotland. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire

Creative Scotland's £7m funding cut restored in Scottish Government u-turn

Scottish street orchestra Nevis Ensemble last month announced its closure with immediate effect.
Scottish street orchestra Nevis Ensemble last month announced its closure with immediate effect.

Unions demand reversal of Scotland’s culture cuts which 'threaten 8,500 jobs'

Health Secretary Humza Yousaf during a visit to the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow.
Health Secretary Humza Yousaf during a visit to the New Victoria Hospital in Glasgow.

Humza Yousaf giving 'serious consideration' to running for leadership

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after delivering her keynote speech during the SNP conference at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) in Aberdeen, Scotland
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon after delivering her keynote speech during the SNP conference at The Event Complex Aberdeen (TECA) in Aberdeen, Scotland

SNP conference on 'de facto' referendum independence strategy postponed

Deputy First Minister and temporary Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney
Deputy First Minister and temporary Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney

Deputy First Minister John Swinney will not run for SNP leader

EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley, joins members of the EIS and SSTA unions, on the picket line at St Andrew's and St Brides High School in South Lanarkshire. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire
EIS general secretary Andrea Bradley, joins members of the EIS and SSTA unions, on the picket line at St Andrew's and St Brides High School in South Lanarkshire. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire

Pupils in key seats like Sturgeon's constituency face six extra strike days

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn suggested that the party’s planned conference to discuss the next steps in its push for Scottish independence could now be delayed.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn suggested that the party’s planned conference to discuss the next steps in its push for Scottish independence could now be delayed.

Stephen Flynn calls for the de facto conference to be delayed

Nicola Sturgeon's resignation will spark the first SNP leadership contest in nearly two decades. Picture: Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty
Nicola Sturgeon's resignation will spark the first SNP leadership contest in nearly two decades. Picture: Jane Barlow - Pool/Getty

How the SNP will choose Nicola Sturgeon's successor

Hull 802, left, and Glen Sannox under construction at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow in October. Picture: John Devlin
Hull 802, left, and Glen Sannox under construction at Ferguson Marine in Port Glasgow in October. Picture: John Devlin

Caledonian Maritime Assets names KC to investigate Ferguson Marine ferry fiasco

The SNP have had three Holyrood leaders since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.
The SNP have had three Holyrood leaders since the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.

How the SNP have elected their leaders in previous contests

Demonstrators hold placards during a protest outside of Bute House, as Nicola Sturgeon announces her resignation. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images
Demonstrators hold placards during a protest outside of Bute House, as Nicola Sturgeon announces her resignation. Picture: Andy Buchanan/AFP via Getty Images

Cherry calls for 'reform and healing' within SNP in wake of Sturgeon resignation

The real hallmark of Nicola Sturgeon's time as First Minister has been wealth redistribution (Picture: Jane Barlow/PA)
The real hallmark of Nicola Sturgeon's time as First Minister has been wealth redistribution (Picture: Jane Barlow/PA)

Sturgeon's legacy? An uncompetitive economy struggling to afford her socialism

Teachers across Scotland have been taking part in industrial action.
Teachers across Scotland have been taking part in industrial action.

New pay offer to be put to teachers within days, says Scottish Government

The Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow. Picture: John Devlin
The Ferguson Marine shipyard at Port Glasgow. Picture: John Devlin

Top KC brought in to investigate 'rigged' ferry contract

Teachers are set to strike in specific areas, targeting SNP ministers and a Green MSP.
Teachers are set to strike in specific areas, targeting SNP ministers and a Green MSP.

Teacher strikes to 'escalate' as SNP ministers to be personally targeted

Deputy First Minister John Swinney gave evidence to the Finance committee in Holyrood.
Deputy First Minister John Swinney gave evidence to the Finance committee in Holyrood.

National Care Service 'sailing perilously close to the wind'

Members Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are striking across the UK, including in Scotland.
Members Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union are striking across the UK, including in Scotland.

SNP accused of 'hypocrisy' over striking unions

Deputy First Minister John Swinney
Deputy First Minister John Swinney

Any further decline in teacher numbers ‘wholly unacceptable’, John Swinney says

Scotland's Deputy First Minister and temporary Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney MSP, sat next to First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, as he delivers the Scottish Budget to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.
Scotland's Deputy First Minister and temporary Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Economy, John Swinney MSP, sat next to First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon, as he delivers the Scottish Budget to the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh.

Scottish Men's Sheds offered additional cash which could stave off fear of cuts

The Scotsman Top Stories

New First Minister Humza Yousaf with his deputy Shona Robison. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images
New First Minister Humza Yousaf with his deputy Shona Robison. Picture: Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images

Humza Yousaf announces Shona Robison as deputy and confirms role for Kate Forbes

Opposition leaders in Holyrood, Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour, and Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives.
Opposition leaders in Holyrood, Alex Cole-Hamilton of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Anas Sarwar of Scottish Labour, and Douglas Ross of the Scottish Conservatives.

Holyrood opposition test out attack lines on new First Minister Humza Yousaf

The MV Hebrides ferry in port at Lochmaddy
The MV Hebrides ferry in port at Lochmaddy

Fire breaks out on CalMac ferry serving Hebrides in latest setback