John Swinney giving SNP leadership 'a great deal of thought'

Former SNP leader John Swinney has said he is giving a "great deal of thought" to standing again as leader.

The process inviting candidates to stand is under way and the next SNP leader would then need to seek parliamentary approval to succeed Mr Yousaf as first minister.

Mr Swinney said he would be doing a disservice to the "many, many people" asking him to stand if he did not think about the prospect of putting his name forward properly.