JOHN Swinney has confirmed he will run for SNP leadership.
The former deputy first minister announced at an event in Edinburgh he would launch a bid to replace Humza Yousaf after he announced his intention to resign earlier this week.
If successful it will be the second time Swinney – who was Scottish deputy first minister for more than eight years under Nicola Sturgeon – has led his party, after holding the post between 2000 and 2004.
After being introduced onto the stage at Grassmarket Community Project by Energy Secretary Mairi McAllan, Swinney said he wanted to "unite the SNP and unite Scotland for independence".
Other MSPs including Siobhian Brown – who supported Kate Forbes in the previous SNP leadership race – and Culture Secretary Angus Robertson were also present.
READ MORE: Lesley Riddoch: The SNP leadership race must be a genuine contest and not a coronation
Swinney told the crowd he would not be an “interim leader” should he become the next first minister of Scotland, adding he is "not a caretaker".
He went on: “I am offering to lead my party through the Westminster elections, to lead us beyond the 2026 elections, to contest, which I intend to win for the SNP and for Scotland."
Swinney further spoke about reaching out directly to people to convince them independence for Scotland is the right move.
He said: “I want to build on the work of the SNP government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic Scotland that will ensure opportunities for all of our citizens."
His leadership bid has already been backed by a number of senior SNP figures, including party Westminster leader Stephen Flynn, Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray and Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth.
Former Holyrood finance secretary Forbes (above) – who has also been touted as a successor to Yousaf following his resignation on Monday – is expected to announce later on Thursday whether she will run for the post.
Swinney said during his speech Forbes would be offered a senior position in his government if he is elected.
Questioned if he would offer Forbes the post of deputy first minister, Swinney would not be drawn, saying people are “getting ahead of (themselves)”.
Forbes's spokesperson confirmed on Wednesday she had held "informal" talks with Swinney.
In his speech, Swinney added: “One of the benefits of stepping back from front line politics a year ago is that I’ve had the time and the opportunity to see our political situation from a different perspective than before.
READ MORE: Douglas Ross refuses to apologise to MSPs after jibe at John Swinney
“There is a huge amount that the SNP has achieved on behalf of the people of Scotland and much about which we should feel very, very proud. The Scottish Child Payment, free university tuition, the massive expansion of childcare and much, much more.
“SNP policies transform lives, they lift children from poverty, give them a better start in life and enable them to go to university.
“Looking across these islands with a UK election looming the SNP alone stands up for ordinary people, for workers, for families.”
He added the SNP is currently “not cohesive” but can be a “formidable force for good” if it “gets its act together”.
“We’re not operating as one, big unified team," Swinney said.
“But what I’m absolutely certain about is if the SNP gets its act together it will be a formidable force for good in Scotland and a formidable force for success in Scotland as well, and that’s what I offer."
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