JOHN Swinney is set to be the seventh first minister of Scotland ...
, but was offered the rural affairs brief under Yousaf. Forbes rejected the offer, which was widely seen as a demotion, and chose to sit as a backbencher.Swinney was also sitting as a backbencher when Yousaf announced his resignation. He stepped back from frontline politics when Sturgeon – whom he served as deputy first minister for nearly nine years – resigned.
Swinney told ITV Border he was"making a personal sacrifice to stand for leader of the SNP", saying he thought he had aimed to spend time with his family after stepping back from the frontbenches in 2023.However, he added:"Times and circumstances change. The SNP is in a difficult position just now. It's not as cohesive as it needs to be.
"She is an intelligent, creative, thoughtful person who has much to contribute to our national life. And if elected, I will make sure that Kate is able to make that contribution.” If he gets the necessary number of votes, the SNP MSP will be appointed by royal warrant before being sworn in at the Court of Session.
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