IAM NO CARETAKER

Swinney vows to lead SNP into the Westminster and Holyrood elections | Forbes clears way for party veteran by confirming she won't run for top job

- PAUL HUTCHEON

JOHN Swinney is set to become the next first minister after rival Kate Forbes gave him a free run at the top job.

There will now be a "coronation" rather than a contest to decide the next leader of the country, with Swinney likely to take over next week.

The veteran Nationalist is expected to hand Forbes a senior Cabinet post after talks led to her pulling out of the SNP leadership race.

Former education secretary Swinney said he was making a "personal sacrifice" in stepping up as his wife Elizabeth Quigley has multiple sclerosis.

But he insisted he was the "strong" figure that could bring unity to his party and the country.

And he hit out at those who believe he will be a short-term fix, saying: "I'm no caretaker."

Swinney Nicola Sturgeon's deputy for nine years - is now certain to be first minister after Humza Yousaf's resignation.

The 60-year-old could be voted in next week after the SNP avoided a divisive internal election, with nominations closing on Monday Swinney did not want a contest and used his leadership launch speech in Edinburgh to reach out to Forbes. Within hours, she had announced she was not standing.

He said former finance secretary Forbes, who lost to Yousaf in last year's SNP leadership contest, would play a "significant part" in his team."

He said: "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.