Deputy first minister backs Humza Yousaf to replace Nicola Sturgeon
John Swinney is the most senior politician to have publicly endorsed one of the three candidates running to be the next SNP leader
Last updated 12th Mar 2023
Outgoing Deputy First Minister John Swinney has announced he is backing Humza Yousaf to become SNP leader and strengthen the party “as a force for progressive change”.
There are three candidates battling to be the next SNP leader and Scottish first minister.
Mr Yousaf is up against Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan.
Speaking ahead of voting opening on Monday, who recently announced he's leaving the Scottish Government, Mr Swinney confirmed he would be backing Yousaf.
His support follows other senior party figures who're also endorsing the health secretary - including the Westminster leadership team of Stephen Flynn and Mhairi Black.
Setting out his support for Humza Yousaf, John Swinney said: “For the last 40 years, I’ve had the privilege to be supported by members to serve at the heart of the Scottish National Party and our SNP Government.
“I am so proud of what we have achieved in Government, transforming the lives of people in Scotland, and as a party we have never been closer to winning independence.
“We now need to choose an SNP leader who will complete our journey to independence, and I believe that person should be Humza Yousaf.
“Humza is best placed to lead our party because he will strengthen the SNP as a force for progressive change in Scottish politics.
“Humza will govern effectively by using the partnership that we enjoy with the Scottish Green Party - guaranteeing us a pro-independence majority in the Scottish Parliament.
“And crucially, Humza will widen our support in attracting new supporters to Scottish Independence.
“Humza is an experienced Minister who’s done all the tough stuff that you have to do day in day out within Government.
“He’s put his heart and soul into all the work he’s done within the party to make the SNP an inclusive political party.
“So for me, John Swinney, it has to be Humza.”
But the MSP Michelle Thomson - who's backing Kate Forbes - believes panic mode has set in amongst senior figures.
The Falkirk East politician said: "When the current deputy First Minister decides to personally intervene in the leadership contest at such at late stage, you get the sense that senior figures in the party have seen the polls and are absolutely panicking.
"Given how close we are to the vote opening, many party members will look upon this 11th hour intervention rather cynically," she added.