John Swinney elected Scotland’s First Minister as SNP faces challenges with declining support and political instability

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has chosen John Swinney as their new chairman, who will also become Scotland’s First Minister. Swinney, a veteran SNP politician, has no challengers for the position. However, the SNP does not have enough votes on its own to secure Swinney’s election with 63 representatives out of 129 in parliament.

The Scottish Prime Minister position became vacant when Humza Yousaf resigned due to a lack of confidence after being in office for over a year. Yousaf’s resignation came before a confidence vote he was likely to lose, as he had displeased government partners and other parties. The SNP has faced criticism for prioritizing independence over other issues such as the cost of living and health services.

Swinney previously led the party from 2000 to 2004 when it was in opposition. The SNP’s support has been declining recently, with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in the midst of a party funding scandal and a decrease in support for Scottish independence. Despite these challenges, Swinney will now lead the party and serve as First Minister. In the Scottish parliament, decision-making power is limited in areas like health, education, transport, and the environment, as the British government decides on country-wide issues such as defense and foreign policy.