John Swinney to become Scotland's new first minister

LONDON -- John Swinney was named as head of the Scottish National Party (SNP) on Monday, paving the way for him to become Scotland's new leader after Humza Yousaf's resignation.

Swinney, 60, said on X he was "deeply honoured to have been elected as leader of the SNP" after Yousaf stepped down last week. This is the second time Swinney has been at the helm of the SNP, as he previously led the Scottish pro-independence party from 2000 to 2004.

The SNP confirmed that Swinney was the sole candidate to take over from Yousaf after nominations for the post closed at noon (1100 GMT). Yousaf was forced to resign after losing the support of the Scottish Green Party, for ending the power-sharing deal between the two parties which allowed the SNP to rule as the majority in the parliament.

Swinney told a press conference after becoming SNP leader that this is the "beginning of a new chapter" for the party.

He will now seek parliamentary approval to become the leader of Scotland, which could happen as early as Tuesday.