John Swinney voted in at Holyrood as Scotland’s next first minister replacing Humza Yousaf

New SNP leader John Swinney is to become Scotland’s next first minister after winning a vote at Holyrood. Mr Swinney won the backing of 64 MSPs, with his nearest rival Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross picking up 31.

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar secured 22 votes with the head of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, winning four. The seven Scottish Green MSPs abstained.