Last week John Swinney MSP became Scotland’s First Minister, following the resignation of Humza Yousaf.

The SNP faces inevitable challenges after 17 years in Government in Scotland. 

There are many successes to build on and with widespread experience as a government minister for 16 years, including more than eight as Deputy First Minister, John is well placed to take the SNP and Scotland forward. Across the party divide, he is a trusted and respected figure.

The SNP will continue to create a dynamic, more equal and fairer Scotland, even without the powers of a normal independent country.

Nevertheless, despite the imposition of austerity since 2009 by successive Labour, Coalition and Tory UK Governments, the SNP record at Holyrood is impressive, with free tuition, personal and nursing care, the £26.70 weekly Scottish Child Payment, free school meals for all children in P1-P5 and free prescriptions – none of which is available elsewhere in the UK.

More than 118,000 affordable houses have been built under the SNP. Our NHS, recovering from the pandemic, has the UK’s lowest waiting lists per 1,000 people and the best paid staff, which is why Scotland has avoided doctors and nurses striking as we saw in England under the Tories, and Wales under Labour.

Unemployment is lower than the UK average and inward investment higher, while SNP Government action will lift 100,000 children out of poverty this year alone.

The SNP is not beholden to party bosses in London and always puts the people of Scotland first. We work hard to earn and re-earn the trust of those we serve. I believe our values are shared by the majority of Scotland’s people. 

Household budgets are under pressure, with the cost-of- living crisis, high energy and food prices, interest rates and inflation. The SNP’s council tax freeze offers households some respite, but a budget constrained by Westminster simply doesn’t keep pace with the challenges we face as a nation.

We are listening and understand the daily challenges of those we serve, whilst battling the Westminster establishment.

With massive offshore renewable resources, Scotland is first amongst UK’s nations and regions for green growth potential, advanced manufacturing, globally competitive financial services, with a fifth of all UK food and drink exports, the highest share of people with a university or college education in the UK or EU and world-class universities, Scotland is a magnet for international students and research investment.

With key specialisms in digital technology, including artificial intelligence and cyber security, Edinburgh aims to be the data capital of Europe. Fundamentally our greatest asset is the people of Scotland.

Scotland’s potential is formidable with much to build upon if we can unlock it.

John Swinney, as Scotland’s First Minister, will drive our nation forward to greater success as a healthier, happier and more equal society, poised to confidently take our future into our own hands.

We continue building Scotland even under a failing Westminster system, working to convince and persuade Scots that our lives will be better with independence.