The Scottish National Party (SNP) has elected John Swinney as its new chairman and Scotland’s First Minister. Swinney, a veteran SNP politician, will assume the position after Humza Yousaf resigned due to lack of confidence after being in office for over a year.
Swinney previously led the party from 2000 to 2004 when it was in opposition. However, the SNP’s support has been declining recently, with former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon facing a party funding scandal and a decrease in support for Scottish independence. The party has faced criticism for prioritizing independence over other issues such as the cost of living and health services.
In the Scottish parliament, decision-making power is limited in areas like health, education, transport, and the environment, as the British government decides on country-wide issues such as defense and foreign policy. Swinney will now lead the party and serve as First Minister despite the challenges facing the SNP.