'I've got a copy of Sturgeon's book but I haven't read it yet', says Swinney
John Swinney worked closely with Sturgeon throughout his career, in positions including deputy first minister, cabinet secretary for finance and cabinet secretary for eduction and skills.
The former first minister released Frankly last Thursday, looking back on her political career, from two major referendums on national sovereignty, the death of Queen Elizabeth II, a fractious relationship with her predecessor Alex Salmond and being arrested as part of an extensive police investigation into the SNP's finances.
Swinney described the book as a 'reflection of a fascinating time in Scottish political history'.
In it, she said the now First Minister was seen as a 'safe pair of hands in charge of the nation's finances' sometime around 2009.
She also appeared to criticise the SNP's 2024 election campaign.
The former SNP leader said that if the party had fought 'more squarely on independence', the core vote would have been 'more energised and may have polled more strongly'.
Speaking to STV News on Monday, Swinney defended his record and denied that her comments were a criticism of his leadership.
'Just to remind you…I'd only come in the door by about two weeks when the election was called,' Swinney said.
'The crucial point for me was that I had to persuade the people of Scotland that the SNP were on their wavelength and addressing their core priorities.
'That was my biggest task when I became SNP leader because the people of Scotland had stopped listening to the SNP at that time.'
Now, he said, the voters are listening again, and added that the party has 'much better prospects'.
'We intend to deliver on their expectations', he said.
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