John Swinney says the SNP is ‘coming back together again’

John Swinney has said his unopposed election as leader of the Scottish National Party shows the party is "coming back together again".

The former deputy first minister is now set to become the new first minister of Scotland.

A contest was avoided after a veteran SNP activist withdrew a rival bid following talks with Mr Swinney.

Mr Swinney is expected to be nominated by MSPs as first minister as early as Tuesday.

Current first minister Humza Yousaf - who announced his resignation last week - said he would formally quit once a new SNP leader was confirmed.

SNP leadership contest 2024

SNP (Scottish National Party)

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The former deputy first minister is now set to become the new first minister of Scotland.