The Scottish Parliament has nominated John Swinney MSP as First Minister of Scotland, following the outcome of the 2026 Scottish Parliamentary election.
Addressing MSPs in Holyrood, Mr Swinney set out his priorities for the new parliamentary term, pledging decisive action to tackle the cost of living crisis, improve access to and performance within the NHS, and grow the economy to create opportunity across Scotland. He also committed to working across parties to deliver progress and respond to the significant challenges facing the country.
Mr Swinney is expected to be formally appointed after receiving a Royal Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III. He will then be sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday, where he will take the Official Oath before the Lord President of the Court of Session and senior members of the judiciary.
Swinney originally took on the role of First Minister in 2024, when his predecessor Humza Yousaf resigned.
Setting out his ambitions for another term of leadership in Scotland, First Minister‑designate John Swinney told the chamber:
“I have ambitious goals for this Parliamentary session. I want to ease the cost of living crisis, ensure the NHS is protected and easy to access, ensure cohesion in our communities and protect the environment, and grow the economy and create opportunity across our country.
“I believe I can achieve a majority for every ambition I have for this Parliament and I look forward to working with many here to do so. That, of course, includes the question of Scotland’s constitutional future on which I recognise there are profound differences of opinion. Indeed the people have now elected the largest pro‑independence majority in the history of devolution.
“I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland. A First Minister that works to bring people together with a strong sense of national purpose. The country I seek to build is a country where everyone feels accepted and able to contribute to our national story.
“I gratefully accept this opportunity to serve as First Minister. It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life. I promise to work every day to repay the trust that the people of Scotland have placed in me.”
The First Minister’s programme is expected to place a strong emphasis on public service reform, economic resilience, and community cohesion, as the Scottish Government begins a new parliamentary session with a historic pro‑independence majority.
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