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Live Reporting
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Analysis The contradictions of John Swinney
Kirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
John Swinney has the appearance of a bank manager, but he was in a rock band in his youth.
He’s seen as an experienced and safe pair of hands, though opposition critics will point out the number of controversies he’s been involved in from the failed named person scheme, and the school exam debacle during Covid to being accused of withholding evidence from parliament during the Salmond inquiry.
He’s credited with professionalising the SNP, helping to turn it from a party of protest to a party of power.
But as leader two decades ago, the “men in grey kilts” had to urge him to quit after disappointing election results.
He’s widely regard as a decent and honourable man, yet he’s one of the biggest hecklers in the Scottish Parliament chamber.
During the last leadership election he said it was time for a fresh perspective from a new generation.
Now, he could be making a comeback.
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Analysis Is being FM a ‘poisoned chalice’?
Andrew Kerr
Scottish political correspondent
It’s still quiet in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament – the main thoroughfare for MSPs going to the chamber and committee rooms.
It’s been the setting for a frantic few days with journalists chasing possible leadership contenders and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Yesterday was a blank day in the leadership calendar with no candidates announcing.
One Kate Forbes supporter said on Wednesday morning that it had been only 48 hours since Humza Yousaf announced his resignation.
Very true – but there had to be movement today as it would start to look as if no-one wanted the job.
One SNP MSP told me the job was “a poisoned chalice – full of arsenic and strychnine.”
Of course, the job is wanted – and we have John Swinney making his announcement today.
He probably does feel the pressure to serve and Kate Forbes’ allies say he’s part of the “Anyone But Kate” campaign.
For Forbes, the clock is ticking and she’ll have to make her position clear.
A statement this afternoon from her is probable. She probably knows it would be hard to win against Mr Swinney.
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What do we know now?
Video content
Video caption: ‘That’s on me’ – Humza Yousaf reflects on end of his time as First Minister If you’re just joining us here’s a recap of all we know about the race to replace Humza Yousaf
- Former Deputy First Minister John Swinney is expected to launch his leadership bid this morning at 10:30
- Meanwhile the former finance secretary Kate Forbes is expected to make a statement on the SNP leadership this afternoon.
- Kate Forbes has not yet confirmed whether she wil be standing. She says she’s “still weighing up her options”.
- Yesterday a spokesperson for Kate Forbes confirmed she met John Swinney on Tuesday, fuelling speculation that the pair will do a deal to avoid a contest to replace Humza Yousaf
- Douglas Ross, the Scottish Tory leader, branded the meeting a “shady stitch-up”
- A motion of no confidence in the Scottish government was defeated by 70 votes 58
- Earlier, speaking in an interview for the first time after his resignation, Humza Yousaf said he had “paid the price” for the way he ended the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Greens
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‘Starting to look like a cabinet meeting’
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
John Swinney’s launch is starting to look a bit like a cabinet meeting.
Another two cabinet figures have arrived – Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
Most are grabbing a tea or a coffee before things kick off.
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Swinney’s supporters arriving early
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
Copyright: BBC
I’m at John Swinney’s event in Edinburgh, where he’s shortly expected to announce his leadership campaign.
Two government ministers are already here – Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan and independence minister Jamie Hepburn.
I’d expect more big figures in the SNP to appear – John Swinney does seem to be the candidate the top levels of the party want to unite behind.
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Kate Forbes expected to make a statement this afternoon
Jenni Davidson
BBC Scotland senior politics reporter
Copyright: PA Media
Former finance secretary Kate Forbes is expected to make a statement on the SNP leadership this afternoon.
This comes as former deputy first minister John Swinney is expected to launch his leadership bid this morning.
Kate Forbes has not yet confirmed whether she will be standing. She says she is “still weighing up her options”.
She sent her apologies to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture committee meeting she had been due to attend this morning.
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Kate Forbes and John Swinney hold talks about SNP leadership
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Swinney to announce bid to be first minister
Copyright: PA Media
Image caption: John Swinney has held talks with potential leadership rival Kate Forbes John Swinney is to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister, with Kate Forbes also due to announce her decision.
Swinney, who spent 16 years in senior roles in the Scottish government until last year, has already won the backing of many party colleagues.
A source close to Forbes, who will not attend Mr Swinney’s launch event in Edinburgh, told BBC Scotland News she was “still weighing up her options”.
The two were confirmed to have met on Tuesday, promoting speculation that a deal may be done to avoid a leadership contest.
Swinney, 60, is to hold a news conference in the Grassmarket at 10:30 on Thursday morning, at which he is expected to confirm his bid to take over from Humza Yousaf.
Yousaf announced his resignation on Monday, though he will remain in post until his successor is elected.
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Good morning
Good morning and welcome to our live page coverage of the race to replace Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister.
John Swinney is to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister later this morning.
We’ll bring you his press conference in Edinburgh’s Grassmarket from around 10.30.
To watch it just click on the play icon at the top of the page.
Then Humza Yousaf remains in the hot seat for First Minister’s Questions and again we’ll bring you all the action from noon.
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