Latest news with #FirstMinister
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
John Swinney news, interviews and updates on the First Minister
John Swinney became Scotland's First Minister in May 2024. He replaced Humza Yousaf, who resigned after ending the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens. Before this, Swinney had stepped down from his role in the Scottish Government following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation. He is the seventh person to hold the position. Read on for all the latest John Swinney news, interviews, and updates on the first minister. As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest John Swinney news stories. Sarwar and Swinney accused of 'inaction on child poverty' Nigel Farage to campaign in Scotland in by-election visit Farage returns to Scotland for by-election campaign John Swinney expressed concerns about the potential societal impact of Reform UK. He told The Herald's Unspun Live podcast that he does not want to regret not doing enough during his time in office to counter their rise. He highlighted that Nigel Farage's party's campaign for the upcoming Holyrood election could "undermine... cohesion in our society." Swinney: 'Reform will have an undeniable presence - I want to stop that' John Swinney has served in both Westminster and Holyrood. The politician first stood as the MP for Tayside North from 1997 until 2001. (Image: PA) He was then elected as the MSP for North Tayside in 1999 and held both positions until stepping down from Westminster at the 2001 general election, where he was replaced by Pete Wishart. He has remained an MSP ever since. However, following boundary changes, he now represents Perthshire North. Before entering politics, Swinney was employed as a strategic planning principal with Scottish Amicable and was a business and economic development consultant for five years. He graduated from the University of Edinburgh with a degree in politics and first joined the SNP in 1979. John Swinney was elected as the First Minister of Scotland in May 2024 after Humza Yousaf resigned. Swinney, who had previously led the SNP from 2000 to 2004, was legally sworn in on May 8. Despite speculation after Yousaf's resignation, Kate Forbes (below) did not contest Swinney for the SNP leadership and now serves as the Deputy First Minister. Kate Forbes (Image: PA)Swinney made his statutory declarations and was granted his official title of First Minister and Keeper of the Scottish Seal. He described his induction as an "overwhelming moment" and an "extraordinary opportunity to change lives for the better". He told reporters after the ceremony: 'I look forward to dedicating my future to serving the people of Scotland." All pupils in Primary 1 to 5 in Scottish Government-funded schools or schools run by local councils receive free lunches during term-time. The SNP pledged to expand this to include free breakfast and lunch for Primary 6 and 7 pupils in their 2021 manifesto. However, last September, John Swinney confirmed that the government would not be continuing with this plan when he laid out his Programme for Government. Instead, the provision will only extend to Primary 6 and 7 pupils who qualify for the Scottish Child Payment. This decision, according to Swinney, was due to the need for the government to manage its spending. He attributed this financial restraint to "the austerity agenda" supported by Tory MSPs. He said this forced the Scottish Government to make cuts to its spending. John Swinney's extensive political career began in 2007 when he was tasked with the finance and sustainable growth brief. In November 2014, he was appointed as deputy first minister and Scotland's finance, constitution, and economy secretary. He served as education secretary from 2016 until 2021 before being named Scotland's secretary for Covid recovery from May 2021 until March 2023. He also served as acting finance secretary during Kate Forbes' maternity leave. After Nicola Sturgeon's resignation, Swinney decided to take a step back from his Scottish Government duties. However, following a year on the backbenches, he was once again re-elected as leader of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland. John Swinney was born in Edinburgh in 1964 and is 61 years old. He married BBC Scotland journalist Elizabeth Quigley in 2003. The couple have one child together, and Swinney is a father of three. Quigley, a well-known BBC Scotland reporter, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000. John Swinney with his wife Elizabeth Quigley and son Matthew (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire)Speaking at the 2024 SNP conference, Swinney thanked his wife for the 'sacrifices' she has made to allow him to serve as First Minister. John Swinney has described himself as 'a man of deep Christian faith.' He said this to the BBC's Good Morning Scotland programme in 2023 after Kate Forbes, his Deputy First Minister, revealed she would have voted against gay marriage if she was an MSP at the time. Swinney told the broadcaster that he "profoundly disagreed" with Forbes despite his "deep religious faith".
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Nicola Sturgeon news, interviews and updates on the former first minister
NICOLA Sturgeon is a former first minister of Scotland who served from 2014 to 2023. Sturgeon is Scotland's longest-serving first minister and made history as the first woman in Bute House. During her time in politics, she held a range of positions within the Scottish Government. She was first elected to Holyrood in 1999 and joined the SNP at the age of 16. Born in Irvine in 1970, Sturgeon worked as a solicitor at Drumchapel Law Centre before becoming an MSP, having graduated with a law degree from the University of Glasgow. Read on for all the latest Nicola Sturgeon news, interviews and updates on the former first minister. As reported by The Herald, here is a selection of the latest Nicola Sturgeon news stories. Sturgeon: Law may need to change after Supreme Court ruling Hunter: SNP should look to low tax Singapore for inspiration Nicola Sturgeon: Prime Minister's immigration comments 'dumb politics' Nicola Sturgeon thanked her friends and supporters during an event at Glasgow's King's Theatre on March 22, saying she 'wouldn't have got through' the past two years without their help. The former First Minister's comments came just two days after she was cleared of any wrongdoing in Police Scotland's long-running investigation into SNP finances, known as Operation Branchform. Nicola Sturgeon during a devolution event in Edinburgh (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sturgeon was speaking at the Glasgow Comedy Festival, where she appeared in conversation with acclaimed crime writer Val McDermid. The pair were recieved a standing ovation as they walked on stage to The Who's I'm Free. Nicola Sturgeon announced in an Instagram post her decision to step down as an MSP from Holyrood at the 2026 elections. She said she would not seek re-election next May. Nicola Sturgeon was born on 19 July 1970 in Dreghorn, North Ayrshire, and is 54 years old. She was previously married to Peter Murrell, the SNP's former chief executive. The couple met in 1988 at an SNP youth weekend and married in the summer of 2010. On 13 January, Sturgeon announced their separation, revealing they had 'been separated for some time.' In an Instagram post, she wrote: 'With a heavy heart, I am confirming that Peter and I have decided to end our marriage.' Nicola Sturgeon with Peter Murrell (Image: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire) "To all intents and purposes we have been separated for some time now and feel it is time to bring others up to speed with where we are. "It goes without saying that we still care deeply for each other, and always will." Sturgeon is the eldest of two siblings. Her younger sister, Gillian, previously worked as an NHS nurse before later becoming a tarot card reader. Gillian has claimed their parents were subjected to 'abuse' following Sturgeon's resignation as First Minister. Sturgeon shares a close friendship with crime writer Val McDermid, who publicly showed her support after the former First Minister was cleared of any wrongdoing in the police investigation into the SNP's finances. Nicola Sturgeon and Val McDermid (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sturgeon was also close to Scottish comedian Janey Godley, who rose to viral fame during the pandemic with her humorous voiceovers of the First Minister's coronavirus briefings. Godley passed away in 2024 at the age of 63, following a long battle with ovarian cancer. Sturgeon shared an emotional tribute to the late comedian in an Instagram post. 'Knowing for the past few weeks that this moment was fast approaching didn't make it any less heartbreaking to hear the news early this morning that Janey had died. 'Janey Godley truly was a force of nature, and one of the funniest people I have ever known.' Nicola Sturgeon served in senior roles within the SNP and Scottish Government. She was first elected as a regional MSP for Glasgow in 1999 and remained in this position until 2007 when she became the MSP for Glasgow Govan. When this seat was abolished, she went on to represent Glasgow Southside in the 2011 election. As well as her work as MSP and First Minister, Sturgeon held several senior positions within both the SNP and the Scottish Government. She served as the cabinet secretary for health and wellbeing from 2007 to 2012, then as the cabinet secretary for infrastructure, capital investment, and cities until 2014. She was the depute leader of the SNP from 2004 to 2014 and deputy First Minister from 2007 to 2014. Nicola Sturgeon served as Scotland's first female First Minister for more than eight years, making her the longest-serving First Minister in the Scotland's history. She started her term on November 20, 2014, after Alex Salmond resigned following the 2014 independence referendum. Despite losing her majority in the 2016 Scottish Parliament election, she formed a minority government and secured a second term. In the 2021 election, the SNP fell one seat short of a majority. They later announced the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens, creating a pro-independence majority at Holyrood. Sturgeon led Scotland through significant events, including the Brexit vote in 2016 and the Covid-19 pandemic. She was also in charge when Scotland's gender reform legislation passed, although this was later blocked by the UK Government. She stepped down from her position as first minister in 2023. Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation on February 15, 2023. She stepped down as both Scotland's first minister and SNP leader. She hinted that the "brutality" of modern political life played a significant role in her decision. In her resignation speech, Sturgeon said: "In my head and heart I know my time is now. "Today I am announcing my intention to stand down as first minister and leader of my party." Her departure led to Humza Yousaf taking the helm. Humza Yousaf (Image: Jane Barlow/PA)However, Yousaf later resigned after dismantling the Bute House Agreement. He was succeeded by John Swinney, who had previously served as Sturgeon's deputy for several years. Nicola Sturgeon was arrested in connection with the probe into SNP finances after stepping down as first minister. The former SNP leader was taken into custody and later released without charge. Her ex-husband, Peter Murrell, who was the former SNP chief executive, has been charged with embezzling party funds and was taken into custody for questioning. After her arrest, Sturgeon said she is innocent "beyond doubt" and said she was "just getting on with life as best I can." Nicola Sturgeon has said she remains "as confident as ever" about Scottish independence. Failing to convince Scots to back independence was, she told The Herald, the biggest regret in her 27-year Holyrood career. I asked Nicola Sturgeon what unfinished business she'll look back on in her dotage and wished she'd achieved. — Andrew Learmonth (@andrewlearmonth) March 12, 2025 Nicola Sturgeon: 'I've dedicated my life to trying to make Scotland a better place' Reflecting on Scotland's 10-year journey since the 2014 referendum, Sturgeon — who served as Alex Salmond's deputy during the campaign — wrote in the Daily Record: "Progress can sometimes feel glacial until suddenly it is not. I believe the same will be true of Scotland's journey to independence. I am as confident as ever that we will get there, and sooner than might seem likely right now." Alex Salmond (Image: Jane Barlow/PA Wire) Sturgeon had previously announced plans for a second referendum on October 19, 2023. However, this required formal consent from the UK Government, leading to a UK Supreme Court hearing on whether Holyrood could legally legislate for a referendum without Westminster's approval. The court concluded that the Scottish Parliament could not hold a referendum without the consent of Westminster. Sturgeon recently revealed the title and release date of her memoirs. She announced on Instagram on March 19 as pre-orders for the book opened. She said her memoirs will be open and candid about her 'mistakes and heartbreaks' as well as her 'triumphs'.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
‘It's just great': Japan ambassador tries Irn Bru on visit to whisky distillery
The Japanese ambassador to the UK has given Irn Bru the thumbs up as he visited a whisky distillery near Glasgow, describing it as 'just great'. His Excellency Hiroshi Suzuki toured the Auchentoshan Distillery in Clydebank with First Minister John Swinney as the two discussed trade, including Scotland's national drink. But during his first visit to Scotland he tried the nation's other national drink. Mr Suzuki had tried Irn Bru earlier during his visit but some Scots had urged him to try the original 1901 recipe, which had been phased out following the sugar tax. Handed a can by the PA news agency, the Japanese ambassador said he was a big fan. 'It was fantastic,' he said. 'In my life I have never had it before but it was just, just great.' After taking a gulp of the older recipe Irn Bru, he added: 'It is just great,' while giving it a thumbs up. The ambassador has become well known online for trying different foods around the UK. A picture posted on X, formerly Twitter, of Mr Suzuki trying a teacake gained more than 46,000 likes, while his video of eating haggis gained more than 800,000 views on the platform. Following a tour of the Auchentoshan Distillery, which is owned by the Japanese whisky firm Suntory, Mr Suzuki said Japanese people loved Scottish whisky. He said Scotland was a 'very important' trading partner for Japan, adding: 'Japanese people love things like Scotch whisky, Scottish salmon, and recently, mackerel has been a great success. 'For the last couple of years, the export of mackerel from Scotland to Japan grew 10 times.' Mr Suzuki said he 'hoped' trade between Scotland and Japan would continue to grow. The diplomat took part in a whisky tasting session with the First Minister, trying three drams. Mr Swinney told PA that Auchentoshan Distillery was an 'excellent example' of the partnership between Scotland and Japan. He said: 'It's been my pleasure over the last couple of days to host a visit from the Japanese ambassador to Scotland. 'We've been using our time to cement links and connections between Scotland and Japan, and particularly yesterday, to engage with Japanese business people who are investing in Scotland and who recognise Scotland as an attractive destination for investment, particularly in renewable energy, but also in life sciences, and as we see from our visit here today, in the whisky industry as well.'
Telegraph
18-05-2025
- Politics
- Telegraph
Swinney: I've healed fractured SNP
John Swinney believes he has 'healed' the SNP after inheriting a fractured party from his predecessor, Humza Yousaf. The First Minister said that when he took on the top job in Scottish politics just over a year ago, he had to deal with both a 'fractured party' and a 'fractured Parliament'. He took office in May last year at a tumultuous time for the SNP – with Mr Yousaf having resigned as first minister and SNP leader in the wake of his decision to scrap the party's power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens at Holyrood. That left the SNP without a majority in the Parliament, and the party also suffered a heavy defeat in the July 2024 general election – dropping to just nine seats from 39. The party is now back to leading the polls in Scotland, and could potentially win a fifth successive Holyrood election next year. Asked how the party is now in an interview with Holyrood magazine, Mr Swinney said: 'I have healed it.' Prior to taking on the role, Mr Swinney had been considering if he would stand again for Holyrood in 2026 – though he now says he is committed to serving a full five-year term if elected into the job after next May's election. He went on to say that becoming First Minister had 'come to me at exactly the right moment in my life', saying he had been 'able to draw on a very deep well of experience and perspective to help me through the situations I'm going to navigate'. He also said he had more 'generosity of spirit' than when he had previously been part of the Scottish Government, explaining this came after realising he had not been talking to people across the political spectrum as much as he used to. Mr Swinney highlighted the successful passage of the Scottish Government's Budget for 2025-26 as an example of working with other parties, with the Bill passing with the backing of Liberal Democrat and Green MSPs, as well as the one Alba Party MSP. Mr Swinney said: 'If I look back at events of the last 12 months when I was elected to leadership of a Government of a fractured party, and of leading a fractured Parliament, I don't think many people would have given me much chance of being able to bring my party together, or they might have given me some optimism in bringing my party together, but they wouldn't have given me much optimism in bringing Parliament together. 'But a seminal moment for me was seeing the Government's Budget supported by four political parties in Parliament, which was an indication to me that the discourse had changed, that there was a more respectful and collaborative environment, a more courteous environment, which enabled four parties to come together to support the Budget.' In a wide-ranging interview, he also opened up about how the death of his mother had impacted him. Agnes Swinney, who was known as Nancy, died in 2020, with Mr Swinney recalling that with 'everything that was going on at the time' as a result of the Covid pandemic, he 'didn't stop to really process what we had gone through personally'. But he said: 'I think over time, I became conscious of the loss in my life of my mum, and I hadn't properly come to terms with that. And the more I talk to people in the same situation, I realise that to be the case.'
BBC News
14-05-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Liam McArthur: The understated MSP behind the assisted dying bill
For almost two decades, Orkney MSP Liam McArthur has been quietly focussed on addressing local concerns on the islands he represents rather than seeking a national now he has been placed firmly in the spotlight by his stewardship of the assisted dying bill, which this week passed its first hurdle in the Scottish had voted against two previous attempts to change the law in 2010 and had voted in favour of both those bills before deciding to have a go himself at making it legal for terminally ill adults to seek medical help to end their is probably one of the best placed politicians to champion such an emotive because he has family experience of a particularly traumatic end of life situation - he has said he does it is because of his personality and approach to politics. McArthur is a very understated doesn't tend to flap or get furious and he has worked hard to build friendly working relationships with politicians in all has won praise from the first minister down for the way he has conducted himself in discussions over assisted dying - respecting all opinions and listening to suggestions for how his proposals could be has helped him build support beyond his own repeatedly said the vote on his bill was likely to be tight. When it came, he won by 70 votes to 56 with one abstention - a larger margin of victory than his team had that his response was in any way he was tearful - and relieved to know that his years of meticulous work resulted in a vote in principle for assisted dying. McArthur has succeeded where previous sponsors of assisted dying proposals in ther Scottish Parliament - Jeremy Purvis and then Patrick Harvie, on behalf of the late Margo MacDonald - failed to win sufficient decided to build on their legacy after being re-elected in 2021, making the judgement that the mood of parliament had changed with its new was shift in opinion may reflect the normalisation of so-called "right to die" provisions by their introduction in other countries, and possibly the wider discussions about death prompted by the pandemic.A separate proposal on assisted dying for England and Wales is working its way through the UK parliament. Liam McArthur was born in Edinburgh and grew up there until his family moved to Orkney when he was 10 years returned to Edinburgh to study politics and got his first job after university as a researcher at Westminster to the then Lib Dem MP for Orkney and Shetland, Jim has had various roles in public affairs and political consultancy, including a spell in Brussels where he met his wife Tamsin. They have two children and Gerry the one colleague describing him as "bomb-proof" for his cool-headed approach at work, he also earned a reputation as a highly competitive footballer in his student life and at Holyrood. He was elected as an MSP in 2007. Before then he worked behind the scenes in the Scottish government as a special advisor to the deputy first minister Jim Wallace when the Liberal Democrats shared power with is now a deputy presiding officer in the Scottish Parliament, which means he helps to run the place and chairs some of its MSPs come and go at Holyrood without achieving much of public on what happens next, the approval in principle of his assisted dying bill could come to be seen as one of the most significant moments in the Scottish Parliament's short history. McArthur is well aware that some of his MSP colleagues still have deep reservations and only voted "yes" to see if their concerns could be addressed in the next phase of knows there are worries about how the law would operate in practice, about how it could alter the relationship between doctors and their patients, and about how it could make some vulnerable people who want to live feel a sense of obligation to seek a premature has said he is particularly sympathetic to points raised by disabled rights campaigners because his own brother Dugald is quadriplegic following a rugby has made clear a willingness to listen to these arguments and stresses he is open to changing his bill to tighten safeguards and to try to allay example, he has already agreed to raise the proposed age at which someone could seek to end their life from 16 to details of this bill will be debated and potentially changed significantly in the coming months before it goes to a final vote of the whole Scottish now and then, McArthur will need to deploy all his skills of quiet persuasion if assisted dying is to become a legally available option in Scotland.
