Swinney 'deeply honoured' to be new SNP leader

FORMER Scottish deputy first minister John Swinney said he was 'deeply honoured' to have become the new leader of the SNP.

Mr Swinney reacted on social media after the party confirmed he was the only candidate to succeed Humza Yousaf, who announced a week ago that he was stepping down as SNP leader and Scottish first minister.

Mr Swinney is now expected to go on to become Scotland's seventh first minister, though before he does he will need to win the backing of MSPs in a vote at Holyrood.

That ballot could take place as early as tomorrow, with Mr Swinney likely to be officially in place in the top job in Scottish politics the following day.

Commenting on social media after it was confirmed he was the only candidate, Mr Swinney wrote that he was 'deeply honoured to have been elected as leader of the SNP!

He pledged: "I will give all that I have to serve my party and my country."