FM: “I will be a First Minister for all of Scotland.”
The Scottish Parliament has nominated as First Minister of Scotland,
following the 2026 election.
Addressing members of the Scottish Parliament, Mr Swinney
outlined his ambitions for the parliamentary term, including
action to tackle the cost of living, improve the NHS and grow the
economy to create opportunity across Scotland. He also pledged to
work together to deliver progress for Scotland and to meet the
challenges facing the country.
Mr Swinney is expected to be formally appointed with a Royal
Warrant from His Majesty King Charles III. He will be sworn in at
the Court of Session on Wednesday, where he will take the
Official Oath in front of the Lord President of the Court of
Session and other senior judges.
First Minister 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.”
Background
First Minister Nomination:
Acceptance Speech - gov.scot
