John Swinney to be sworn in as Scotland's first minister

A "significant" role has been promised to former finance secretary, Kate Forbes, who chose not to run for the SNP leadership and backed Mr Swinney.

Mr Swinney's appointment as first minister will be rubber-stamped by the King before he is officially sworn in at the Court of Session.A contest was narrowly avoided, with a rival candidate - veteran SNP activist Graeme McCormick - withdrawing his bid at the 11th hour. He has said he will seek to govern on a "moderate centre left" platform, and will be open to working with any other political party in the parliament to pass legislation.

The economy, the NHS and other public services, and "a drive to lift children out of poverty" are his priorities for government.Kate Forbes is expected to make a return to cabinet but it is unclear where other ministerial roles will be allocated.Having confirmed he has no intention of resurrecting a deal with the Greens, Mr Swinney will attempt to pass a budget and other key bills with a minority administration of 63 MSPs.

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