Summary

  • John Swinney is elected as Scotland's seventh first minister after becoming the new SNP leader

  • He is expected to be confirmed in the role and sworn in at a ceremony on Wednesday

  • Swinney was voted in as the parliament's nominee, achieving a majority at the first vote of 64 votes to 57. The Scottish Greens abstained.

  • Humza Yousaf, who earlier had formally tendered his resignation as first minister, made a personal statement ahead of the vote

  • Yousaf paid tribute to his friend John Swinney in his speech, and also called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza

  • Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross urged the new FM elect to change direction and put Scottish independence on the backburner

  • Anas Sarwar, for Scottish Labour, also called for a new direction and an end to "incompetence" in managing public services

  • In his speech, Swinney promised a more collaborative approach and said he would be first minister "for everyone in Scotland"

  • He said one of his priorities was to eradicate child poverty and he also praised his wife Elizabeth, who has MS, for her support

Live Reporting

Edited by Calum Watson

  1. Here's the Holyrood timetable for this afternoon...

    The timetable to a busy afternoon in the Scottish Parliament's chamber:

    • 2.05-2.20pm Topical Questions
    • 2.20-2.25pm Personal Statement: Humza Yousaf

    There will then follow a suspension of the chamber until 3pm.

    • 3.00-5.00pm Selection of First Minister

    Nominees for First Minister (in alphabetical order by surname) will be given up to 5 minutes to speak prior to the first round of voting.

    Following selection of a nominee, previous practice has been for Party Leaders (in ascending party size order) to be given around 4 minutes to speak following the appointment, after which the nominee for First Minister will be allowed around 10 minutes to respond.

    • 5.00pm Decision Time

  2. Here's Humza Yousaf's resignation letter...

    Humza Yousaf's resigntaion letterPA Media

    In his letter to King Charles, Humza Yousaf said his resignation would take effect from the start of parliamentary business on Tuesday.

    The Glasgow Pollock MSP said it had been a pleasure to serve the King and the people of Scotland as first minister.

    "Throughout my time as first minister, I have been most grateful for your counsel and the kindness you have shown to both Nadia and I," he added.

    Yousaf will make a final speech to MSPs later before they vote to choose Scotland's seventh first minister in 25 years.

  3. Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland's first minister

    Humza YousafPA Media

    Humza Yousaf has signed a letter to the King tendering his resignation as Scotland's first minister after John Swinney was elected as the SNP's new leader.

    Mr Swinney, 60, is expected to become first minister later.

    The former deputy first minister has pledged to write a "new chapter" in the party's history.

    Yousaf last week said he "paid the price" for the way he ended the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.

    The outgoing first minister will make a a final speech to MSPs later this afternoon, with this paving the way for Holyrood to vote on who should take his place.

  4. Good afternoon

    Humza Yousaf with his expected replacement as first minister John SwinneyPA Media

    Humza Yousaf with his expected replacement as first minister John Swinney

    Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of the expected election of the new SNP leader John Swinney as first minister.

    Humza Yousaf has signed a letter to the King tendering his resignation as Scotland's first minister.

    Although John Swinney is expected to win this afternoon's election in Holyrood, the other main parties are also set to put up their own candidates too.

    We'll bring you live coverage from Holyrood and you can watch the debate by clicking on the play button at the top of this page.