John Swinney is set to become Scotland’s seventh First Minister, following the resignation of Humza Yousaf. Swinney, who ran unopposed for the leadership of the Scottish National Party (SNP), was officially backed by MSPs. He has committed to lead with a collaborative approach, different from his previously confrontational style. Swinney’s election marks his return to the role he briefly held in 2000-2001, and he plans a cabinet reshuffle with indications that Kate Forbes might assume a significant position.

Meanwhile, Vaughan Gething, former Welsh Health Minister, potentially faces recall to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry due to allegations concerning the deletion of WhatsApp messages during the pandemic. Leaked messages suggest he intended to delete communications to avoid Freedom of Information requests, contradicting his earlier testimony that no intentional deletion occurred. The UK Covid-19 Inquiry is reviewing this new information to decide if further evidence from Gething is necessary.

Swinney, who acknowledges working with a minority government, emphasized the importance of cooperation across party lines to handle issues such as education, healthcare, and climate action. His leadership assumes crucial significance as he promises to address expansive agendas including enhancing business competitiveness and tackling child poverty.

As Swinney prepares for his formal swearing-in, he faces expectations to veer away from divisive issues such as independence, with calls from opposition leaders like Douglas Ross (Scottish Conservative) and Anas Sarwar (Scottish Labour) focusing on public services and economic growth. They also advocate for a departure from previous SNP policies, highlighting the importance of prioritizing national interests.