Former SNP leader John Swinney is considering becoming Scotland’s next first minister after Humza Yousaf quit the role in an emotional speech at midday.
Mr Swinney, 60, who led the party between 2000 and 2004 and stood down after Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation last year, said he was “actively considering” the role of Scottish first minister.
“I’ve been somewhat overwhelmed by the requests that have been made for me to do that, with many, many messages from many colleagues across the party. So I’m giving that issue very active consideration,” he told Sky News.
It comes after Yousaf announced he was stepping down during an address at Bute House, Edinburgh, just days before a vote on his leadership was expected.
As he choked up, the 39-year-old thanked his “wonderful” wife and “beautiful” children for supporting him throughout his time in office.
The SNP leader faced two no confidence votes scheduled by the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour – which the Scottish Greens said they would join to oust him.
It came after the SNP’s power-sharing agreement with the Greens collapsed when Yousaf sacked them from his government on Thursday last week.
