New SNP leader John Swinney says 'join me as we open new chapter'
SNP leadership contest
John Swinney has given an acceptance speech after being confirmed as the SNP’s new leader – with no other possible candidates coming forward to challenge him for the position.
After nominations for the post closed at midday on Monday, the former Scottish deputy first minister was confirmed as the only person to put themselves forward to succeed Humza Yousaf.
Giving his acceptance speech at Glasgow University, Mr Swinney said he was not motivated by personal ambition but that he had stood for leader “out of a profound sense of duty” to his party and his country.
He acknowledged there was “controversy” over the fact he was the only candidate for the role, but said this was a sign the SNP was “coming back together again”.
He pledged to create an “inclusive and unified team” and to enable “open and respectful dialogue in the SNP”, and said he would ensure the SNP looks outward to the people of Scotland.
Mr Swinney invited the audience to “join me as we open a new chapter” and said his priorities were to create “a vibrant economy”.
He said: “If elected first minister, my focus will be the economy, jobs, the cost of living. It will be the NHS, our schools and our public services. It will be addressing the climate crisis.
“Do not let our disagreements dominate. Join me as we open a new chapter. That’s my job, that’s our job, and I plan to get the job done.”
He condemned “polarisation” and pledged to “listen” to factions within the party, and said he had met ex-finance secretary Kate Forbes to discuss “shared ambitions” and “how best to go forward”.
Mr Swinney said: “The polarisation of politics does not serve our country well. We should be seeking solutions to problems.
“I will reach out to everyone willing to join with us in good faith and seek compromises that serve our nation well. We need to stop shouting at each other and talk. More than that, actually, we need to listen. As first minister, I will do exactly that.”
Mr Swinney will now face a vote at Holyrood later this week, where it is likely he will become the Scottish Parliament’s nominated candidate to be the country’s seventh first minister.
Mr Yousaf congratulated Mr Swinney on becoming the new SNP leader.
Mr Yousaf posted on X, formerly Twitter: “Congratulations to @JohnSwinney on becoming Leader of @theSNP and FM-elect.
“John’s central message has been one of unity. As a party, we must heed his call, whatever has happened in the past should remain there.
“Let’s get behind John & his team so they can deliver for Scotland.”
It comes just a week after Mr Yousaf announced he was stepping down as both SNP leader and Scottish First Minister, after his decision to tear up his party’s powersharing deal with the Greens at Holyrood left him facing a vote of confidence.
Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said the party’s seven MSPs would meet to discuss how they would vote in the ballot for first minister.
Mr Harvie stated: “We are committed to delivering on our vision of a fairer, greener and more equal Scotland, and are open to talks with John Swinney and his team about how we can work together to make that happen.”
He added: “Scotland needs a period of stable government. Mr Swinney knows that if he is to have our support then it must be on the basis of progressive policies that help us to tackle the climate crisis and build a fairer and more equal future.”
The Green MSP added: “There are a lot of important policies already on their way to delivery as a result of the Bute House Agreement, including better rights for tenants and rent controls, transforming the way we heat our homes and a watertight ban on conversion therapy.
“We remain utterly committed to these policies and will oppose any move away from them or steps to dilute them.”
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross urged Mr Swinney to “govern for all of Scotland by abandoning his relentless push for independence”.
Mr Ross insisted his party would seek to “hold John Swinney to account when he lets the Scottish people down – just as we’ve done with Humza Yousaf”.
But the Conservative added: “It’s difficult to see how he can be the fresh start Scotland needs, when he’s the ultimate continuity candidate.
“John Swinney was joined at the hip with the disgraced Nicola Sturgeon and his fingerprints are all over her numerous policy failures and cover-ups.”
With Mr Swinney having led the SNP previously between 2000 and 2004, Mr Ross went on to question if a “failed former leader from two decades ago – who, as education secretary, sent Scotland plummeting down international league tables” was the best person to lead the country.
He claimed: “With John Swinney at the helm, the SNP will double down on their independence obsession – the one issue they agree on – and ignore the real priorities of the Scottish people, such as fixing our ailing public services and growing the economy.”
Mr Swinney has been an MSP for the life of Holyrood and has previously said the UK Government was to blame for failures in devolution.
Speaking last week on the same day that Mr Yousaf announced his resignation as First Minister, Mr Swinney complained about the “hostile outlook from the UK Government towards devolution”.He said: “For most of the devolution years, the UK Government has been a rather benign presence in the operation of the devolved structures.
“That is different now. Should future UK governments take the same attitude, it would pose a real threat to the prospects and effectiveness of devolution.”
Register now for one of the Evening Standard’s newsletters. From a daily news briefing to Homes & Property insights, plus lifestyle, going out, offers and more. For the best stories in your inbox, click here.