John Swinney declares ‘new chapter’ as he becomes SNP leader

Speaking to senior SNP politicians and activists at an event at the University of Glasgow, Swinney said his decision to stand for the role of leader – after Humza Yousaf announced his intention to step down a week ago – was “not born out of long-held ambition but rather a profound sense of duty to my party and my country”.

Last week his most likely rival, Kate Forbes, a former finance secretary who came close to beating Yousaf last year, ruled herself out of the contest and backed Swinney, saying she was persuaded by his pledge to “govern from the mainstream”.

A last-minute threat to the coronation was averted late on Sunday when the SNP activist and serial leadership critic Graeme McCormick chose to back Swinney after a “lengthy and fruitful conversation”.

Endorsed by senior figures across the party, Swinney told his audience that his amicable talks with Forbes and McCormick demonstrated that “the SNP is coming back together again now”.

He added he was sure there remained “a lot of common ground” with the Greens, who want Swinney’s administration to press ahead with policy priorities including rent controls and a ban on conversion practices.

Swinney also paid tribute to Yousaf, who he said had acted with “grace and dignity in acutely difficult circumstances” such as the period when his in-laws were trapped in Gaza under Israeli bombardment last autumn, adding he was sure he still had a significant contribution to make to Scottish politics.