Swinney Takes on ‘Extraordinary Opportunity’ as Scotland’s New First Minister

John Swinney, who was leader of the SNP from 2000 to 2004, has completed his political comeback by being sworn in as Scotland’s first minister.

John Swinney after speaking to the media after he is sworn in as first minister of Scotland and keeper of the Scottish Seal at the Court of Session in Edinburgh, Scotland, on May 8, 2024. Andrew Milligan/PA

John Swinney, the new leader of the SNP, has been sworn in as Scotland’s first minister, describing it as an “extraordinary opportunity.”

On Monday Mr. Swinney became leader of the SNP and he was nominated as first minister after a parliamentary vote on Tuesday in which seven Green MSPs abstained.