Kate Forbes has confirmed she is not running to be the next leader of the SNP
The former finance secretary confirms she will not challenge John Swinney to be Scotland's next first minister
Forbes says the best way to deliver the urgent change Scotland needs is to join forces with Swinney
Swinney launched his campaign by saying change is needed in "these difficult times"
The former deputy FM is the first candidate to officially enter the race
Swinney says he wants to "unite the SNP and Scotland for independence"
He says he wants Kate Forbes to be part of his new government team
Swinney says the SNP have achieved a huge amount.
"SNP policies transform lives," he tells the press conference.
"The SNP alone stands up for ordinary people."
Swinney says he wants to build on the work of the Scottish government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic Scotland that will "ensure opportunity for all her citizens".
He says: "I want to unite the SNP and Scotland for independence."
"I intend to stand for election as leader of the Scottish National Party," says John Swinney.
Image source, PA MediaJohn Swinney launches his campaign to succeed Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister - with Kate Forbes set to announce whether she will also stand.
Mairi McAllan MSP introduces John Swinney and describes him as one of the most unstinting advocates of the furtherance of Scotland's interests.
David Henderson
BBC Scotland political correspondent
Some in the SNP will breathe a sigh of relief if there's no contest for the leadership.
Last year's battle for the top job was a bitter affair, exposing divisions in the party and rancour among the contenders.
It saw Kate Forbes hammer Humza Yousaf's record in office.
Then she came under fire for her views on gay marriage and other social issues.
Third-placed Ash Regan left the SNP altogether, defecting to the Alba Party.
So there's a risk this could all turn ugly.
Their opponents will pounce on discord – and that spells trouble in a general election year, where the SNP already looks under pressure across Scotland.
So some SNP members would love a coronation, not a contest.
But it’s not clear all the would-be contenders -especially Kate Forbes – will agree.
Mairi McAllan and Shirley-Anne Somerville are in attendance at this morning's event, supporting Swinney.
Both have publicly stated their support for his running as party leader.
Writing on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mairi McAllan said Swinney was "profoundly experienced and a unifying figure with a deep commitment to public service".
A number of cabinet secretaries are in Edinburgh's Grassmarket to support John Swinney this morning.
Swinney, who spent 16 years in senior roles in the Scottish government until last year, has already won the backing of many party colleagues
Remember you can watch the press conference live by clicking on the play icon at the top of the page.
Image source, Getty ImagesKate Forbes is considering a second bid to become the SNP leader
In her relatively short time in politics, Kate Forbes has already experienced the highs and lows of a career at Holyrood.
She enjoyed a rapid rise to become Scotland's first female finance secretary in 2020, but was narrowly defeated in last year's SNP leadership contest by Humza Yousaf.
It is now being speculated that the backbench MSP could make a second bid for her party's top job and we expect to find out her answer this afternoon.
The former minister left the cabinet in March 2023 after being offered the rural affairs brief by Yousaf, which would have been considered a major demotion.
She later told the New Statesman she "would have found it hard to turn down" an offer to remain as finance secretary.
Image source, Getty ImagesFor many in the SNP - particularly those who have been in the movement for a long time - John Swinney embodies what they think of as core SNP values.
They think he is trustworthy, hard-working and loyal. He receives huge applause when he stands up to speak at the party's national conference.
Most of all, his admirers recognise what they see as a burning desire for Scottish independence.
Now, 20 years after he stood down from a difficult period in the top seat, it looks as though he could lead his party once again.
A former MP says she is “bewildered” about the abuse facing Kate Forbes online in recent days.
Speaking to BBC Radio's Good Morning Scotland programme, Eilidh Whiteford, former MP for Banff and Buchan, said: “I think a lot of it’s to do with the fact she’s a woman.
“Most of us in our day-to-day lives get on with people and rub along with people in our neighbourhoods, at work and even in our own families who have different beliefs to us, different political outlooks…and we manage to get over ourselves.
"I think, within the SNP, we need to do that too and respect the people who are prepared to put themselves forward for a really quite gruelling job.”
Whiteford says John Swinney is held with “great affection” across the SNP and she hopes, if he does become leader, that he involves Kate Forbes “in a very senior role”.
She says: “I think he’s probably the only person in the SNP who could beat her at this point, if she were to put her hat in the ring.”
Image source, PASo as we've been reporting this morning, John Swinney is expected to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister very shortly.
Swinney's campaign will be launched in Edinburgh's Grassmarket from 10.30am.
We'll bring you reports and analysis of the press conference, which you can watch with us by clicking the play icon at the top of the page.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
Attendees arriving are signing John Swinney’s nomination forms.
He needs 100 signatures from 20 branches - a figure he won’t have any problems reaching.
Kirsten Campbell
BBC Scotland political correspondent
John Swinney has the appearance of a bank manager, but he was in a rock band in his youth.
He's seen as an experienced and safe pair of hands, though opposition critics will point out the number of controversies he's been involved in from the failed named person scheme, and the school exam debacle during Covid to being accused of withholding evidence from parliament during the Salmond inquiry.
He's credited with professionalising the SNP, helping to turn it from a party of protest to a party of power.
But as leader two decades ago, the "men in grey kilts" had to urge him to quit after disappointing election results.
He's widely regard as a decent and honourable man, yet he's one of the biggest hecklers in the Scottish Parliament chamber.
During the last leadership election he said it was time for a fresh perspective from a new generation.
Now, he could be making a comeback.
Andrew Kerr
Scottish political correspondent
It’s still quiet in the Garden Lobby of the Scottish Parliament - the main thoroughfare for MSPs going to the chamber and committee rooms.
It’s been the setting for a frantic few days with journalists chasing possible leadership contenders and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.
Yesterday was a blank day in the leadership calendar with no candidates announcing.
One Kate Forbes supporter said on Wednesday morning that it had been only 48 hours since Humza Yousaf announced his resignation.
Very true - but there had to be movement today as it would start to look as if no-one wanted the job.
One SNP MSP told me the job was “a poisoned chalice - full of arsenic and strychnine.”
Of course, the job is wanted - and we have John Swinney making his announcement today.
He probably does feel the pressure to serve and Kate Forbes’ allies say he’s part of the “Anyone But Kate” campaign.
For Forbes, the clock is ticking and she’ll have to make her position clear.
A statement this afternoon from her is probable. She probably knows it would be hard to win against Mr Swinney.
‘That's on me’ – Humza Yousaf reflects on end of his time as First Minister
If you're just joining us here's a recap of all we know about the race to replace Humza Yousaf
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
John Swinney’s launch is starting to look a bit like a cabinet meeting.
Another two cabinet figures have arrived - Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson and Transport Secretary Fiona Hyslop.
Most are grabbing a tea or a coffee before things kick off.
David Wallace Lockhart
Political correspondent
I’m at John Swinney’s event in Edinburgh, where he’s shortly expected to announce his leadership campaign.
Two government ministers are already here - Economy Secretary Mairi McAllan and independence minister Jamie Hepburn.
I’d expect more big figures in the SNP to appear - John Swinney does seem to be the candidate the top levels of the party want to unite behind.
Jenni Davidson
BBC Scotland senior politics reporter
Image source, PA MediaFormer finance secretary Kate Forbes is expected to make a statement on the SNP leadership this afternoon.
This comes as former deputy first minister John Swinney is expected to launch his leadership bid this morning.
Kate Forbes has not yet confirmed whether she will be standing. She says she is “still weighing up her options”.
She sent her apologies to the Constitution, Europe, External Affairs and Culture committee meeting she had been due to attend this morning.
Kate Forbes and John Swinney are both considering SNP leadership bids
We learned yesterday that the two frontrunners to succeed outgoing First Minister Humza Yousaf had held informal talks.
John Swinney and Kate Forbes met on Tuesday, according to a spokesperson for Ms Forbes.
Nominations for the role close on Monday. A contest will be held if more than one candidate gets sufficient support.
News of the meeting emerged on Wednesday as the Scottish government survived a motion of no confidence that could have forced all SNP ministers to resign.