Summary

  • 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

Live Reporting

Edited by Paul McLaren

  1. Swinney to announce bid to be first minister

    John Swinney has held talks with potential leadership rival Kate ForbesPA Media

    John Swinney has held talks with potential leadership rival Kate Forbes

    John Swinney is to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister, with Kate Forbes also due to announce her decision.

    Swinney, who spent 16 years in senior roles in the Scottish government until last year, has already won the backing of many party colleagues.

    A source close to Forbes, who will not attend Mr Swinney's launch event in Edinburgh, told BBC Scotland News she was “still weighing up her options”.

    The two were confirmed to have met on Tuesday, promoting speculation that a deal may be done to avoid a leadership contest.

    Swinney, 60, is to hold a news conference in the Grassmarket at 10:30 on Thursday morning, at which he is expected to confirm his bid to take over from Humza Yousaf.

    Yousaf announced his resignation on Monday, though he will remain in post until his successor is elected.

    Read more here.

  2. Good morning

    Good morning and welcome to our live page coverage of the race to replace Humza Yousaf as Scotland's first minister.

    John Swinney is to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister later this morning.

    We'll bring you his press conference in Edinburgh's Grassmarket from around 10.30.

    To watch it just click on the play icon at the top of the page.

    Then Humza Yousaf remains in the hot seat for First Minister's Questions and again we'll bring you all the action from noon.