SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon was returned as Scotland’s First Minister today following the Holyrood election as pressure increases on her to sack her Education Secretary John Swinney. 

Ms Sturgeon was selected by MSPs to lead the Scottish government in a vote this afternoon, despite impotent challenges from Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross and Willie Rennie of the Lib Dems. 

The vote, overseen by new presiding officer Alison Johnstone, saw Green and Labour MSPs abstaining to allow the SNP leader to resume the position.