John Swinney has been nominated as First Minister by the Scottish Parliament following the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Addressing MSPs after the vote, Swinney set out his priorities for the new parliamentary term, including action on the cost of living crisis, the NHS, economic growth and protecting communities across Scotland.

He also pledged to work with others across Parliament to deliver progress and address the challenges facing the country.

Swinney is expected to be formally appointed as First Minister following the issuing of a Royal Warrant by King Charles III.

He will then be formally sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday where he will take the Official Oath in front of senior judges including the Lord President of the Court of Session.

Speaking in Parliament after being nominated, Swinney said:

“I have ambitious goals for this Parliamentary session.

“I want to ease the cost of living crisis, ensure the NHS is protected and easy to access, ensure cohesion in our communities and protect the environment, and grow the economy and create opportunity across our country.

“I believe I can achieve a majority for every ambition I have for this Parliament and I look forward to working with many here to do so.

“That, of course, includes the question of Scotland’s constitutional future on which I recognise there are profound differences of opinion.

“Indeed the people have now elected the largest pro-independence majority in the history of devolution.

“I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland.

“A First Minister that works to bring people together with a strong sense of national purpose.

“The country I seek to build is a country where everyone feels accepted and able to contribute to our national story.

“I gratefully accept this opportunity to serve as First Minister.

“It is the greatest privilege and the greatest responsibility of my life.

“I promise to work every day to repay the trust that the people of Scotland have placed in me.”

The nomination follows a Scottish Parliament election which saw the SNP returned as the largest party at Holyrood and pro independence parties securing a majority of seats once again.

Attention will now turn to the formation of a new Scottish Government and the political battles expected to shape the next parliamentary session, including pressure on public services, economic recovery and Scotland’s constitutional future.

For Swinney, the challenge now moves beyond election victory and into delivering on the promises made during the campaign at a time when pressure on public finances and public services remains intense.