John Swinney has been re-elected as Scotland's First Minister, vowing to "get on with the job" after securing the necessary majority in a parliamentary vote at Holyrood on Tuesday. The SNP leader, whose party remains the largest in the Scottish Parliament, won 56 of the 105 votes cast in the third round of voting, defeating Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay, Reform UK's Malcolm Offord, and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Voting Process
Leaders from all six parties at Holyrood initially stood for the post. The Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton and Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay were eliminated in the first two rounds. The final vote saw Swinney secure a majority, and he is expected to be formally sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
Swinney's Agenda
In his address to parliament, Swinney promised an agenda that is both "ambitious" and "practical," with a "clear plan for the work ahead" and a "determination to deliver for the people of Scotland." He reiterated his commitment to pushing for a second independence referendum, despite the SNP falling short of an overall majority in the recent Holyrood election, winning 58 seats—six fewer than before and seven short of a majority. However, he highlighted that the election returned the "largest ever" number of pro-independence MSPs, including a record 15 Scottish Greens.
"The people have again returned a pro-independence majority to this Parliament, the largest ever elected," Swinney said. "They have said with a resounding voice that decision about Scotland's future should be taken here in Scotland, and I will ensure that the people have the right to decide on their own future." He stressed his mandate as leader of the largest party and expressed a "willingness to work with others in the Parliament" to deliver policies that improve lives.
Reactions from Other Leaders
Gillian Mackay backed the call for a second independence vote, arguing that voters were promised big things after the 2014 referendum but got "Brexit, a decade of Westminster failure, a merry-go-round of prime ministers and ongoing climate breakdown." She declared: "People's lives have gotten materially worse and Scotland must have our chance to choose differently."
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for cross-party cooperation, warning that people are "frustrated, angry and tired" of political arguments disconnected from their lives. "If people lose faith not only in one party or in one government, but in the ability of politics itself to improve their lives, then that not only undermines our democracy, but opens up opportunities for those that seek to divide us," he said.
Malcolm Offord of Reform UK insisted Scots need a first minister focused on building opportunity and prosperity, accusing the SNP of "record highs in tax and spend and grievance stoked against the United Kingdom for cynical political gain." He added that "in partnership with the Greens, we have seen the politics of envy take root."
Russell Findlay called the ballot a "foregone conclusion" but said he stood to present his vision for a better Scotland. Alex Cole-Hamilton acknowledged he would not win but highlighted his party's return of 10 MSPs as a "massive leap forward."
