Swinney's bid to unite the SNP for independencepublished at 17:08 British Summer Time 6 May 2024

17:08 BST 6 May 2024

David Henderson
Scotland correspondent

John Swinney's campaign slogan was "Uniting for Independence". He has a ton of work to do if he's to deliver that goal.

As he said himself at his campaign launch, the SNP is "not as cohesive as it needs to be".

The party, he said, must have a "vibrant, internal democracy", with party leaders "questioned and challenged about priorities".

In other words, he is saying too much power has been concentrated in the hands of previous SNP leaders.

Swinney was in charge of the SNP 20 years ago, before Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon became first ministers. And his backers hope this "favourite son" of the SNP can take the Scottish government in a new direction.

But a long spell in government means it'll be judged by voters on what it's done - or not done. And since the UK government won't allow another referendum, the road to independence seems blocked for now.

All this leaves the new SNP leader having to tackle long-established problems.

We end this live page with a new SNP leader in place - John Swinney. Before we go, though, here's a round-up of the day's key moments.

• Nominations in the SNP leadership race closed at midday, with Swinney being announced 15 minutes later. He said he was “deeply honoured” to become the party’s new leader
• He was the sole candidate to put himself forward, after veteran SNP activist Graeme McCormick said at the eleventh hour he had secured enough nominations but was not standing
• Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross sent his congratulations, but urged Swinney to abandon his "relentless push for independence". The Scottish Labour Party said it was a “stitch up by a chaotic and dysfunctional party”
• Former SNP leader Humza Yousaf congratulated his successor, calling him a “fantastic friend” who can count on his backbench support
• In his acceptance speech, Swinney acknowledged there was controversy about being the sole candidate - but said it was a sign the party was coming back together
• He also used his speech to herald the “beginning of a new chapter” for the SNP under his leadership, and said he wanted to restore harmony in the party
• Swinney will only become the next Scottish first minister following a vote at Holyrood - which is expected as soon as tomorrow

To read more, head here.

Image source, PA Media

Today's coverage was brought to you by Craig Hutchison, Emily Atkinson, Jacqueline Howard, Jemma Crew, Ido Vock, Graeme Esson and Sam Hancock.

As we've been reporting, John Swinney has moved a step closer to becoming Scotland's seventh first minister after being confirmed as SNP leader.

He told a press conference in Glasgow today that it was "the beginning of a new chapter in our party’s history" - adding that chapter would be about "uniting, coming together and dedicating ourselves the service of Scotland".

Swinney accepted that there was controversy about him being the sole candidate in the leadership race, but argued that this was a sign the SNP was coming together.

Here's some of that speech:

Could there be harmony in Scottish politics?published at 16:27 British Summer Time 6 May 2024

16:27 BST 6 May 2024

Andrew Kerr
Political correspondent, at Holyrood

The location of John Swinney’s speech was key to his whole theme – one of harmony.

It took place in the Advanced Research Centre of Glasgow University.

Swinney said the centre speaks of the future that he wants - a modern, diverse, dynamic Scotland.

Polarisation of politics does not serve country well, he said.

The new leader claimed too many people were too busy fighting to win battles when they should be seeking solutions to problems.

He spoke about unifying the party and also the parliament. He wants the shouting to stop and the listening to start.

His focus is the economy, jobs, cost of living crisis, the NHS, schools, public service and climate crisis.

And crucially on his founding principle, he said the party had to persuade people that independence presents that best solution.

Harmony in Scottish politics?

A tall order perhaps in a general election year.

We've just heard from John Swinney, who today became the SNP's new leader.

He'll only become the next Scottish first minister following a vote at Holyrood - expected as soon as tomorrow - but before then, here's what he had to say about his vision for Scotland:

• Swinney paid tribute to current FM Humza Yousaf and heralded the “beginning of a new chapter” for the SNP underneath him
• He acknowledged some controversy about him being the only candidate to run in the leadership race - but argued it demonstrated the party was coming back together
• Swinney said he had a vision of a modern, diverse and dynamic Scotland and that the location of his speech (a research centre at the University of Glasgow) was an example of that - history and modernity forged together
• He spoke about wanting to restore harmony in the SNP and in parliament as a whole - urging politicians to "stop shouting at each other"
• Swinney also talked about seeking compromise that serves the nation well and promised to be a first minister who would listen
• On independence, he said the party had to persuade people that was Scotland's best option

Smiles from SNP activists - but still a long way to gopublished at 16:05 British Summer Time 6 May 2024

16:05 BST 6 May 2024

David Henderson
Scotland correspondent

Image source, PA Media

The activists here liked the sound of that. There were a lot of smiles.

MSPs too were looking buoyed up. They’re hoping their fortunes are about to change.

For a party on the ropes just days ago, John Swinney may be the lifeline they need.

But there’s a long way to go.

Swinney is asked if there will be a role for former SNP leader Humza Yousaf in his cabinet.

He says he isn’t going to go into detail about his ministerial appointments, but he believes Yousaf will continue to make a “significant contribution” in Scottish politics.

Swinney says some of the steps Yousaf has taken have been “courageous and dignified”.

We're going to leave the news conference - being held in Glasgow - there. Stay tuned for a round-up of what Swinney had to say.

We've a couple more questions to bring you now from the news conference we've been covering, given by the SNP's new leader John Swinney.

The Guardian's Libby Brooks asks Swinney why, in his opinion, polls have started showing supporters of independence turning against the SNP.

He answers that the party has had a tough time and that it's lacked cohesion.

But he says colleagues are glad to see the party "get its act together" - which he says coincided with him becoming party leader earlier today.

Only the SNP can deliver independence, he goes on, adding that he'll work hard to earn those votes back.

Next, John Swinney is asked for his one big policy as SNP leader.

He replies that he is determined to eradicate child poverty in Scoltand.

If elected as first minister tomorrow, Swinney says he will focus on what he can do to achieve that.

Gina Davidson from LBC asks about the relationship between the SNP and Greens in the future.

It was the decision to end a power-sharing deal, called the Bute House agreement, between the SNP and Greens that led to Humza Yousaf resigning as first minister.

Swinney says he is sure there will be a lot of common ground between the parties and that they will collaborate.

But he does not intend to return to the "fixed arrangement" of the Bute House agreement.

He says issues will be taken on an individual basis, and the SNP will need to seek support from other parties on occasions.

Swinney says he will lead a government from a "moderate centre-left" position.

Swinney is next asked if his commitment to hear MSPs out is a suggestion that Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf failed in that regard.

He doesn't comment on either of his predecessors, but promises again that he is open to having difficult conversations and listening to MSPs from all parties.

Image source, Reuters

John Swinney is asked what makes him think he will be the leader to deliver independence.

He says support is at its highest level since the 2014 referendum, but he recognises some have said there needs to be greater support.

He says persuasion is an essential requirement to win people over to the argument that independence is the solution, adding: “I am a persuader.”

The first question comes from the BBC's Scotland editor James Cook, who says he has watched Swinney "barracking his opponents" for years.

He asks if the new SNP leader takes any personal responsibility for the polarisation of politics he described in his speech.

Swinney answers that "of course" he has contributed to that, adding: "Politics is in the worst state I have ever seen it."

But he says he is here to change things, and that he should be held to what he has said today.

Swinney says he believes Scotland can do more if it has the powers of a "normal independent nation".

He says he will always seek to persuade people of the case for independence "with respect and courtesy".

He asks people who oppose independence to act with the same courtesy and respect.

The new SNP leader ends by saying: "I plan to get the job done."

His speech is followed by a standing ovation.

"The polarisation of politics does not serve our country well," Swinney says.

He says people should be seeking solutions to problems, rather than battles.

If elected as first minister, he says he will seek common ground with other parties and try to solve Scotland's problems in the "best way" he can.

Swinney insists that does not mean the debate will end, but that "we need to stop shouting at each other and start talking to each other."

He says recent events show that a less polarised approach works, and describes how he met Kate Forbes and Graeme McCormick separately in recent days and discussed their shared ambitions for Scotland.

He says he has welcomed Forbes's support for his leadership.

Swinney now says he wants to address everyone in the country – not just those who support the SNP – and share his vision for Scotland’s future.

He says he wants to create a modern, diverse and dynamic Scotland – and suggests the building he is speaking in, the advanced research centre at Glasgow University, points to this future.

His perfect vision is one where people have good jobs, the vulnerable are lifted up and opportunity is available for all, he says.

“Every moment” of his journey will be devoted to building the Scotland he believes is possible, he adds.

John Swinney says that under his leadership, the SNP will be a place people can come together for open conversation.

"Scotland wins when the SNP wins," he tells the press conference.

He mentions SNP policies, including the Scottish child payment, which he says is lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. Free university tuition offers a better future for people from poorer backgrounds, he adds.

"SNP policies and actions are transforming lives, here and now, in our country," he says.

Swinney tells the press conference that this is the "beginning of a new chapter" for the SNP.

He says it will be a chapter about "coming together" and serving the people of Scotland.

Swinney adds he feels a "profound sense of duty to my party and to my country".

He accepts there is some controversy about him being the sole candidate in the SNP leadership race and argues that this "demonstrates that the Scottish National Party is coming back together again now".

John Swinney says Humza Yousaf showed "moral leadership" on Gaza, and describes his stance as "a light in these dark times".

He says the party must continue to stand up for "what we believe to be correct".

Yousaf will continue to make a substantial contribution to public life in Scotland, Swinney says, and thanks him again for his time in leadership - spurring a round of applause.

Image source, PA Media

John Swinney begins his speech by thanking the SNP for a leadership race that was run "so smoothly" at such short notice.

He says he didn't expect to be here even a week ago, before paying tribute to his predecessor Humza Yousaf.

He praises Yousaf for conducting himself with "grace and dignity" in difficult circumstances.