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Scottish National Party (SNP) leader John Swinney has been re-elected as Scotland’s First Minister following a three-round vote in the Scottish Parliament on Tuesday.
Swinney secured 56 votes, defeating contenders from five opposition parties in a closely watched leadership contest. He is expected to be formally appointed through a Royal Warrant issued by King Charles and will be sworn into office on Wednesday.
Following his victory, Swinney addressed parliament, pledging to serve as “a first minister for all of Scotland,” signalling a commitment to inclusive governance.
A long-serving figure in Scottish politics, Swinney has been a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) since 1999. He has led the Scottish government since 2024, taking over as SNP leader during a key transitional period for the party.
The SNP remains the largest party in Holyrood, having won 58 of the 129 seats in the most recent elections held on May 7. However, the party fell short of an outright majority, which requires 65 seats, leading to a continued minority administration.
Swinney’s re-election comes at a crucial time for Scottish politics as the SNP navigates a divided parliament and ongoing debates over governance and independence.
