Skip to main content
Gifts from The Morning Star
John Swinney appears favourite for SNP leadership
Former deputy first minister of Scotland John Swinney speaking to the media outside the Resolution Foundation in Queen Anne's Gate, London, April 29, 2024

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.

The 95th Anniversary Appeal
Support the Morning Star
You have reached the free limit.
Subscribe to continue reading.
More from this author
Former Labour Party leader, Jeremy Corbyn M.P. (left) and Zarah Sultana, MP for Coventry South on the picket line outside London Euston train station. Picture date: Thursday August 18, 2022
Parliamentary Politics / 24 July 2025
24 July 2025

Corbyn and Sultana commit to launching new socialist party

Former home secretary James Cleverly delivers a speech at The Institute for Public Policy (IPPR) in London, July 15, 2025
Tory Party / 22 July 2025
22 July 2025
Prime Minister Keir Starmer delivers a speech at the Government's first Civil Society Summit in London, July 17, 2025
Eyes Left / 23 July 2025
23 July 2025

If Labour MPs who rebelled over the welfare reforms expected to be listened to, they shouldn’t have underestimated the vindictiveness of the Starmer regime. But a new left party that might rehome them is yet to be established, writes ANDREW MURRAY
 

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer delivers a speech at the government's first Civil Society Summit in London, which aims to bring together leaders from charities, expert groups, communities, and government, July 17, 2025
Britain / 17 July 2025
17 July 2025

Starmer doubles down on witch hunt by suspending the whip from Diane Abbott

Similar stories
First Minister of Scotland John Swinney speaking to activists as he joins Katy Loudon, SNP candidate in the upcoming Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse by-election on 5 June, at Alloway Gardens bus stop, Hamilton, May 3, 2025
Britain / 7 May 2025
7 May 2025
Then SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon with then husband Peter Murr
Britain / 12 March 2025
12 March 2025
Humza Yousaf takes the oath as he is sworn in as First Minis
Britain / 17 December 2024
17 December 2024