John Swinney was elected to the post in a Holyrood vote, with the Greens ensuring he could not be blocked.
The new SNP leader was elected to the post in a Holyrood vote, with the Greens ensuring he could not be blocked.
Attention will now turn to his Cabinet, with questions over whether Kate Forbes will be handed the key post as his deputy amid tensions over her devout Christian views. Appointments will happen after he is sworn in tomorrow. In a valedictory speech at Holyrood this afternoon, Humza Yousaf thanked colleagues who had shown him 'kindness' amid the 'toxic nature of our political debate'
He said Holyrood was 'intensely polarised', adding: 'I accept my part in creating that environment, whether that is by shouting put-downs from the front bench or heckling from a sedantry position.Amid laughter in the chamber, he added: 'Perhaps time will tell on that one.' 'We often, and I'm guilty of this too, lament the toxic nature of our political debate and it's true, there is entrenched tribalism that feels difficult to free ourselves from.Mr Swinney swerved a late obstacle yesterday as he persuaded activist Graeme McCormick not to go ahead with forcing a leadership contest, even though he had secured the support required to stand.
'It's difficult to see how he can be the fresh start Scotland needs, when he's the ultimate continuity candidate,' he said. Mr Yousaf's time as First Minister was spent dealing with a long list of crises, including developments in the police probe into the SNP's funding and finances, a series of policy U-turns, disciplinary issues, defections and bitter infighting between factions in his party.
News SNP Conservatives Nicola Sturgeon Glasgow Humza Yousaf Kate Forbes
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
John Swinney set to become next SNP leader and Scottish first minister as rival quits raceGraeme McCormick's decision not to pursue a party leadership bid leaves John Swinney as the only official candidate to succeed Humza Yousaf after he announced he is stepping down.
Read more »
John Swinney set to become next Scottish First MinisterJohn Swinney looks set to become the next SNP leader when nominations close.
Read more »
SNP leadership race: Nominations close with John Swinney set to become Scottish first ministerThe search is on for a new Scottish first minister followed Humza Yousaf's resignation last week.
Read more »
John Swinney elected new first minister by Scottish Parliament after becoming SNP leaderJohn Swinney will become Scotland's next first minister after receiving the backing for the job by a majority of MSPs.
Read more »
SNP wants to avoid ‘bruising’ leadership contest and Swinney trustedThe Scottish Net Zero Secretary said John Swinney as first minister will unite the party.
Read more »
Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray backs John Swinney to succeed Humza YousafSCOTTISH Health Secretary Neil Gray has become the latest senior SNP figure to back John Swinney to succeed Humza Yousaf.
Read more »