MSPs are set to elect Scotland's next first minister following the Holyrood elections, with incumbent John Swinney expressing confidence he will retain the post. The SNP secured 58 seats, making it the largest party but falling seven short of the 65 needed for a majority.
All five other parties at Holyrood have nominated their leaders for the top job. Ahead of Tuesday's vote, the SNP has urged Swinney to honour a campaign promise to introduce a vote on a second independence referendum at the first sitting of his new government. The vote would approve a Section 30 order, transferring powers from Westminster to Holyrood, though it would be largely symbolic as the powers are reserved.
Scottish Greens co-leader Gillian Mackay, who is standing for first minister, said Scotland had voted for a pro-independence majority Parliament and that must be respected. She called on Swinney to bring forward the promised debate on Scotland's right to choose at the first available opportunity if elected.
Scottish Conservatives leader Russell Findlay urged Swinney to rule out any new pact with the Greens, warning that the SNP's anti-oil-and-gas agenda would harden if he ends up at the mercy of the party. Swinney has insisted the pro-independence majority shared with the Greens constitutes a mandate for independence.
The election of the first minister is scheduled for Tuesday afternoon, with the winner likely to be sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday and appoint a cabinet that afternoon. The inaugural First Minister's Questions of the new term is expected next week.
