- US president Donald Trump congratulated John Swinney on his re-election as First Minister of Scotland, praising him as a “good man” deserving of his “Big Electoral Victory”.
- Swinney's Scottish National Party secured 58 seats, making them the largest party in the Scottish Parliament, though falling short of an overall majority.
- The US president's praise for Swinney included acknowledging his role in securing tariff relief for Scottish whisky, a claim Swinney had previously made.
- This congratulatory message is seen by some as a thinly veiled criticism of Keir Starmer, with whom the US president has had worsening relations.
- Keir Starmer is facing calls to resign after Labour's poor performance in recent elections across Scotland, Wales, and English local councils, but has vowed to remain as leader.
IN FULL
