Swinney ‘considering’ running to be next SNP leader as Yousaf quits

John Swinney has said he is giving “very careful consideration” to standing to be the next leader of the SNP in the wake of Humza Yousaf’s emotional resignation.

Mr Yousaf had been facing two votes of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament as a result of his decision to terminate the powersharing deal that the SNP had with the Scottish Greens.

But before those votes could take place, he announced he would stepping down from the post he said he had been “blessed” to have.

Just 90 minutes later, Mr Swinney, who served as Scottish deputy first, said he was giving “active consideration” to running for the job.