John Swinney is set to become the new leader of the SNP after the only other candidate withdrew their nomination. Veteran SNP activist Graeme McCormick was openly critical of the Scottish government and secured a nomination earlier on Sunday. However, McCormick later announced that he had decided not to proceed and would back Mr Swinney, after agreeing the challenges which the SNP, the government and the people face.
Leadership candidates are required to get 100 nominations from at least 20 local SNP branches before standing in the race. If no other candidate meets the nomination deadline, Mr Swinney would be free to seek parliamentary approval to become first minister. Mr Yousaf resigned after just over a year in the role following the fallout from the decision to terminate a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.
Mr Swinney, 60, previously led the SNP between 2000 and 2004 and stated his intention to see out a full term. On Sunday, he suggested that rebuilding the SNP could be delayed if another candidate were to enter the leadership race. His preference, he said, was to “get on with things” as the party had not been as cohesive as it should have been in recent years.
Former SNP leadership candidate Kate Forbes confirmed earlier this week that she was not standing and backed Mr Swinney, having been promised a “significant” cabinet role. If no challenges arise, Mr Swinney would officially become first minister as early as Wednesday when a swearing-in ceremony at the Court of Session in Edinburgh could take place
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