CONTINUITY candidate John Swinney appeared odds-on favourite to succeed departing Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf today.

As the Scottish National Party reeled from the fallout of Mr Yousaf’s abrupt termination of its governing coalition with the Scottish Greens, former leader Mr Sweeney seemed poised to take the helm once more.

However, neither he nor anyone else had officially confirmed their candidacy for the post.