ended my predecessor, humza yousaf, ended the power—sharing agreement. we are expected to hear from john swinney any moment now. talk us through the events of today. just any moment now. talk us through the events of today-— events of today. just to recap, we now know — events of today. just to recap, we now know that — events of today. just to recap, we now know that john _ events of today. just to recap, we now know that john swinney, - events of today. just to recap, we now know that john swinney, the | now know thatjohn swinney, the veteran politician here in scotland, is now the new leader of the scottish national party. we are expecting to hear from scottish national party. we are expecting to hearfrom him scottish national party. we are expecting to hear from him very shortly. in terms of the events of today, there was a deadline for the snp leadership nominations. that closed at midday. a short time later it was announced thatjohn swinney was the only candidate to replace humza yousaf, who resigned last monday after just 13 months humza yousaf, who resigned last monday afterjust 13 months in charge. it now means thatjohn swinney can seek scottish parliament approval to become scotland in's first minister. a brief statement from the party shortly after midday today read that the snp�*s nomination

process closed at midday. the party was like secretary then confirmed thatjohn swinney is the party leader. mr swinney has also posted on social media, saying he feels deeply honoured to be elected leader of the party, adding that he will give his all to serve the party and scotland. of course with mr swinney being unopposed in this context, it means the snp has avoided extending the uncertainty at the top of scottish politics. had there been another contender in this contest, it would have meant a leadership battle going on for the next three weeks, untiljuly 27. there had been talk of a late bid over the weekend. activist graeme mccormick has said that he had gathered enough support

to enter the contest. but in a statement late last night, he announced he decided not to run after having a conversation with john swinney. they had agreed on a number of topics and issues, he said he was going to supportjohn swinney instead. it he was going to support john swinney instead. ., , , ., instead. it has been quite a bruisin: instead. it has been quite a bruising through _ instead. it has been quite a bruising through weeks. - instead. it has been quite a - bruising through weeks. remind us how we got here at what happened next. ., ., , ., , next. humza yousaf resigned last monday after— next. humza yousaf resigned last monday after13 — next. humza yousaf resigned last monday after 13 months - next. humza yousaf resigned last monday after 13 months in - next. humza yousaf resigned last | monday after 13 months in charge. next. humza yousaf resigned last i monday after 13 months in charge. it was just days after he ended the snp's was just days after he ended the snp�*s power—sharing agreement with the scottish greens. relations between the two parties had become strained on issues, including a watering down of climate targets. the father of that and at the prospect of facing defeat in a no—confidence vote in the scottish parliament led to humza yousaf�*s resignation. in terms of what is

next, events could move rather quickly again this week. a vote will take place in the scottish parliament on whetherjohn swinney should become the next first minister of scotland. he will become scotland's seventh first minister. that without is expected to pass, despite the snp now leading a minority government after that power—sharing deal with the scottish greens came to an end. that vote is still expected to pass, despite all of that. later in the week that is expected to be a swearing in ceremony at the court of session in edinburgh, and that is when mr swinney would become first minister of the country. he could in fact be making his debut as first minister in the topjob making his debut as first minister in the top job at the scottish parliament during first ministers questions on thursday. he is parliament during first ministers

questions on thursday.- questions on thursday. he is of course no _ questions on thursday. he is of course no stranger _ questions on thursday. he is of course no stranger to _ questions on thursday. he is of course no stranger to high - questions on thursday. he is of. course no stranger to high office. tell us about his background. he certainly is a high—profile player in politics in scotland. he is now 60 years old and previously led the party 20 years ago and has held several senior positions within the snp, most notably deputy first minister during nicola sturgeon's leadership. he's actually scotland and's longest serving elected parliamentarian, a hugely well liked and respected figure within the snp and respected figure within the snp and political opponents. he will face the new challenge of leading a minority government, which means he will need the support of opposition msps to pass legislation, so he will likely have to accept defeat on certain issues. it will very much be

a case—by—case basis. but since announcing his leadership, his main message has been to unite the snp and also scotland for independence. but he has also spoken about delivering economic growth and tackling poverty, the issues that ordinary people are concerned about. but it has very much been a turbulent time for the snp. i must interru -t turbulent time for the snp. i must interrunt you. _ turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we _ turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are _ turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are going - turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are going to - turbulent time for the snp. i must interrupt you, we are going to go i interrupt you, we are going to go straight to hearfrom interrupt you, we are going to go straight to hear from john swinney. let's listen in.— let's listen in. friends, first of all, can let's listen in. friends, first of all. can i— let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank— let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank lorna - let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank lorna and - let's listen in. friends, first of all, can i thank lorna and the l let's listen in. friends, first of- all, can i thank lorna and the party starfor the all, can i thank lorna and the party star for the professional way that this leadership process has been run at such short notice? enabling the scottish national party to get back on the front foot so quickly. a year ago, even a week ago, i did not think that my future would involve standing here accepting the

leadership of the scottish national party. things have turned out differently. and before i say any more about my leadership, i want to pay tribute to humza yousaf. he has conducted himself throughout the last year with grace and with dignity in some acutely difficult circumstances. in particular, his moral leadership on the issue of gaza has been a light in these dark times. 0ur party must and will continue to be a light. we must continue to be a light. we must continue to be a light. we must continue to eliminate hope, fight for internationaljustice, and be willing to stand up for what we believe to be correct. that is what humza yousaf did. i know that hamsa will continue to make a substantial contribution to the public life of scotland, and i want to thank him for all he has done as our party leader and as our first minister.

applause _ . today is the beginning of a applause . toda is the be-cinnin of a new . today is the beginning of a new cha ter . today is the beginning of a new chapter in _ . today is the beginning of a new chapter in our— . today is the beginning of a new chapter in our party's _ . today is the beginning of a new chapter in our party's history, - . today is the beginning of a new chapter in our party's history, a l chapter in our party's history, a chapter in our party's history, a chapter that will be about coming together, uniting and dedicating ourselves to the service of scotland. i want to express my heartfelt thanks to many party members, the many elected members westminster and at holyrood, and in our council chambers across the country for their encouragement for me to stand for the party leadership. my decision to stand for the leadership is not borne out of a long held ambition, but rather a profound sense of duty to my party and to my country. i know there is some controversy that i am the only candidate to stand for the leadership, perhaps not surprisingly i take a very different view to that. for me, the fact that i am the

only candidate demonstrates that the scottish national party is coming back together again now. applause i promised that i would create an inclusive and a unified team, and i will do that. i promised either in a no ball open and respectful dialogue in the snp, and i would do that. i promise to make sure that the snp looks upwards to the people of our country and not in words amongst ourselves, and i will do that. i have had the privilege of contributing a significant amount to the snp�*s story. in that time, i have seen the lows and the highs of our modern political history as a party. and over those highs and lows, one thing has been clear to me

time after time— scotland wins when the snp wins. yes, we faced a rough time recently as a party. but remember what has been happening during that tough time. the scottish child payment is lifting 100,000 children out of poverty. free university tuition opens a better future to record numbers of young people from poorer backgrounds. and the massive expansion of childcare is giving children from every background a better start in life. so, howevertough background a better start in life. so, however tough it has recently been for the snp, never, everforget that at the same time snp policies and actions are transforming lives here and now in our country. as i... applause as i begin my leadership of the

party i love, i want to speak not just to everyone here at this snp gathering. i want to speak to each and every person in this country, to those who knew me and those who don't. through those who support the snp, and those who never have. and to those who support independence, and those that we are yet to convince. i want to sit up the vision i have of our nation's future. i said when i wash my candidacy for the chip i said i wanted to create a modern and diverse scotland. today i am standing in the building the speaks of that future. it is the advanced research centre of the university of glasgow. here in the heart of one of our oldest universities in europe, research into the newest leading edge technologies push back the boundaries of what is possible. experience and innovation combined.

history and modernity together forging a new future. that is the perfect vision for scotland. a country with a depth of history accountable into the old with the new and forward it together into the best future for herself. a country where people have good jobs, the climb net as predicted, the vulnerable are lifted up, and opportunity is available for all. that is the chapter, the new chapter that i offer. 0ne built on experience, on skills honed over decades. every moment of myjourney devoted to building the new scotland i believe is possible. later this week, scotland will choose a new first minister, and putting my name for what it is important i set out what kind of first minister i will be. i spoke last week about unifying our party and about what we can do for scotland together. i believe the same is true of our parliament. in

2021 the shed of the book commanded by labour, the conservatives and liberal democrats all fell. the snp recorded our best ever share of the constituency vote. in fact, we won more votes and a higher share of the bozanic is that the ballots than any party in the 25 year history of devolution. that is our mandate, but it does not give us an a monopoly on good ideas. it means that we have the right, in fact, we have the duty to form the government, but it does not mean that we can stop listening to people and voices outside our party. the polarisation of politics does not serve our country well. too often, too many people are too busy fighting to win battles when we should be seeking solutions to problems. that is what i pledge i will seek to do. i will reach out to everyone willing tojoin will seek to do. i will reach out to everyone willing to join with us in good faith and seek compromises that

serve our nation well. that does not mean that debate will end, far from it. but it does mean that, should i be elected, i will seek common ground tojoin together be elected, i will seek common ground to join together in the coalitions of the willing and solve the problem is that our country faces. we need to stop shouting at each other, and talk to each other. more than that, we need to listen. as a first minister, i will do exactly that. friends, i believe recent events show that this approach works. last week i met with kate forbes, we came together and discussed they shared ambitions we have for our country and how best we can go forward. i welcome kate's support for my leadership. 0ver can go forward. i welcome kate's support for my leadership. over the weekend i reach up to my party colleague, gray mccormick. he wanted to stand for election so he could be heard, so i listened and assured him that the use of party members up and down the country will be properly listen to. —— graeme mccormick. the

simple lesson is that i look bring us to points of agreement and strength. that's my message today to every party in the scottish parliament. focus on solutions to problems, and you will find no one more willing to listen than me. together we can make little difference to the lives of people in scotland. that is the job we have all been sent to parliament to do. of course, i believe this country of course, i believe this country could do more if we had the powers of a normal independent nation, the power of independence. the cost of living crisis and the damaging impact of brexit are two examples of westminster decisions that are bad for scotland. they demonstrate why scotland needs to have independence to make our own decisions and create our best future. i will always seek, with respect and courtesy, to persuade people of the case for independence. all i ask of those who

oppose that mission is that they also add with the same courtesy and respect. that means independence is not a for them to refuse to work with us to build the economy, to supportjobs, and to improve the health service. if elected as first minister, my focus will be the economy, jobs, the cost of living. it will be no national health service, our schools and public services. it will be addressing the climate crisis. so, to everyone and every party, to every msp, every mp, to everyone in our great country, i say this — join me. don't let our disagreements dominate. join me as we open a new chapter, as we create a vibrant economy in every part of our country, as we tackle the challenges faced by the nhs, as we build on the strengths lie in our schools, as we build more homes,

take line action, improve public transport and create jobs. take line action, improve public transport and createjobs. that's my job, that's ourjob, and i plan to get thejob done. job, that's ourjob, and i plan to get the job done. thank you very much. applause. studio: that was john applause. studio: that wasjohn swinney,, who is now the new snp party leader. he is now the new snp party leader. he is setting out his vision for leadership, saying he is a kind that not out of ambition, but a profound sense of duty for his party and country. he also talked about wanting to reach out beyond everyone to see compromises that serve our country well. let speak to the visit of the other party and former first minister, alex salmond. tell us what you think about the message from john swinney. can he unite his party and then bridge a gap with others to lead the country?— lead the country? obviously, i wish john well as — lead the country? obviously, i wish john well as he _ lead the country? obviously, i wish john well as he embarks _ lead the country? obviously, i wish john well as he embarks on - lead the country? obviously, i wish john well as he embarks on his - lead the country? obviously, i wish j john well as he embarks on his first miniature _ john well as he embarks on his first miniature ship. he was on life

finance — miniature ship. he was on life finance executive for the first two terms _ finance executive for the first two terms of — finance executive for the first two terms of snp's government. he was outstanding in that role. nonetheless, i wish him well. of course _ nonetheless, i wish him well. of course he — nonetheless, i wish him well. of course he is hitting some of the right— course he is hitting some of the right notes in terms of saying he is going _ right notes in terms of saying he is going to _ right notes in terms of saying he is going to focus attention on government, or itjobs, education, housing, _ government, or itjobs, education, housing, the — government, or itjobs, education, housing, the health service. the thing _ housing, the health service. the thing that— housing, the health service. the thing that really matter. and there are something that the snp have taken _ are something that the snp have taken them out of the ball on in the last couple — taken them out of the ball on in the last couple of years. his difficulty will he _ last couple of years. his difficulty will be getting support across the parliament. the unionist parties have _ parliament. the unionist parties have made it clear they're not interested unless you that she's independence altogether, which clearly— independence altogether, which clearly he cannot do. and he mustn't become _ clearly he cannot do. and he mustn't become a _ clearly he cannot do. and he mustn't become a political prisoner of the green _ become a political prisoner of the green party in scotland, which is the fate — green party in scotland, which is the fate of— green party in scotland, which is the fate of humza yousaf, his predecessor. 0ne the fate of humza yousaf, his predecessor. one of humza try to predecessor. 0ne of humza try to break_ predecessor. one of humza try to break free, — predecessor. one of humza try to break free, he found them conspiring with the _ break free, he found them conspiring with the tories to bring him down.

that is— with the tories to bring him down. that is the — with the tories to bring him down. that is the dilemma thatjohn swinney— that is the dilemma thatjohn swinney has. how as a minority government, can he appeal across the pariiament— government, can he appeal across the parliament and stay true to the cause _ parliament and stay true to the cause of— parliament and stay true to the cause of independence? i have one piece _ cause of independence? i have one piece of— cause of independence? i have one piece of advice for him, i would need _ piece of advice for him, i would need a — piece of advice for him, i would need a passage to the door of ash regan's _ need a passage to the door of ash regan's door as quickly as possible. ithink— regan's door as quickly as possible. i think you _ regan's door as quickly as possible. i think you would find a willing helper— i think you would find a willing helper if— i think you would find a willing helper if he is to privatise independence. is helper if he is to privatise independence.— helper if he is to privatise independence. helper if he is to privatise indeendence. . �* . . , independence. is ash regan prepared to work with him? _ independence. is ash regan prepared to work with him? everybody - independence. is ash regan prepared to work with him? everybody that - to work with him? everybody that works with him would have a price, what is she after? she works with him would have a price, what is she after?— what is she after? she set out a on independence. _ what is she after? she set out a on independence. john _ what is she after? she set out a on independence. john was _ what is she after? she set out a on independence. john was not - what is she after? she set out a on independence. john was not too i what is she after? she set out a on i independence. john was not too clear independence. john was not too clear in his— independence. john was not too clear in his speech about his strategy for getting _ in his speech about his strategy for getting independence, which is really— getting independence, which is really important to alba and to the people _ really important to alba and to the peopie of— really important to alba and to the people of scotland. also moving away from the _ people of scotland. also moving away from the identity politics i gender that the _ from the identity politics i gender that the scottish greens foisted

upon _ that the scottish greens foisted upon humza yousaf. the irony of the scottish— upon humza yousaf. the irony of the scottish greens is that they're not interested — scottish greens is that they're not interested in green politics or independence, but they are very interested in identity politics. so, to move — interested in identity politics. so, to move away from them on to the people _ to move away from them on to the people agenda, were john swinney indicated _ people agenda, were john swinney indicated he was prepared to do, which _ indicated he was prepared to do, which means a concentration on housing, — which means a concentration on housing, health, education andjobs. there— housing, health, education andjobs. there are _ housing, health, education andjobs. there are some aspects there which seem _ there are some aspects there which seem to _ there are some aspects there which seem to resonate with the criteria that ash _ seem to resonate with the criteria that ash regan has offered as a means— that ash regan has offered as a means of— that ash regan has offered as a means of cooperation, so let's hope thatjohn _ means of cooperation, so let's hope thatjohn swinney's means of cooperation, so let's hope that john swinney's statements today are words _ that john swinney's statements today are words that you will carry through— are words that you will carry through into action. but he has to find a _ through into action. but he has to find a way— through into action. but he has to find a way of appealing across the parliament and notjust become a political— parliament and notjust become a political hostage of the scottish green _ political hostage of the scottish green party. political hostage of the scottish green party-— green party. there was some suggestion — green party. there was some suggestion that _ green party. there was some suggestion that the _ green party. there was some suggestion that the prospect| green party. there was some i suggestion that the prospect of humza yousaf working with your party that kind of caused the snp to move against humza yousaf. is that your interpretation of things? yes.

against humza yousaf. is that your interpretation of things?— interpretation of things? yes, i think it is very _ interpretation of things? yes, i think it is very well _ interpretation of things? yes, i think it is very well known - interpretation of things? yes, i think it is very well known that | think it is very well known that humza — think it is very well known that humza invited ash regan into talks. ash set— humza invited ash regan into talks. ash set out— humza invited ash regan into talks. ash set out some very reasonable terms _ ash set out some very reasonable terms of — ash set out some very reasonable terms of agreement, and humza was by some of— terms of agreement, and humza was by some of the _ terms of agreement, and humza was by some of the old guard in the party and it— some of the old guard in the party and it effectively lost hisjob and he was _ and it effectively lost hisjob and he was left at the mercy of the greens— he was left at the mercy of the greens and the tories. hopefully, john swinney being unopposed here will he _ john swinney being unopposed here will he in _ john swinney being unopposed here will he in a — john swinney being unopposed here will be in a stronger position to make _ will be in a stronger position to make agreements across the parliament. because you have to be in charge _ parliament. because you have to be in charge of— parliament. because you have to be in charge of your own party if you are going — in charge of your own party if you are going to be able to survive in a minority— are going to be able to survive in a minority parliament. when was my finance _ minority parliament. when was my finance secretary back in 2007 to 2011, _ finance secretary back in 2007 to 2011, we — finance secretary back in 2007 to 2011, we had a much smaller minority of snp _ 2011, we had a much smaller minority of snp members, and we were able thento— of snp members, and we were able then to appeal across the parliament. it does require a change of attitude _ parliament. it does require a change of attitude from the snp. in those days we _ of attitude from the snp. in those days we were so grateful to be

trusted — days we were so grateful to be trusted with the government of scotland. there was no hint or assumption we were there by entitlement. john has to find a way to recapture that attitude if he is going _ to recapture that attitude if he is going to — to recapture that attitude if he is going to be successful in a minority government in the scottish parliament. it isn't an easyjob, incidentally, but it is one that can be incidentally, but it is one that can he done, — incidentally, but it is one that can be done, and it requires a change of attitude _ be done, and it requires a change of attitude of— be done, and it requires a change of attitude of the snp. if he sticks to independence, nerves away from identity— independence, nerves away from identity politics and towards a people's— identity politics and towards a people's agenda, then that is a recipe — people's agenda, then that is a recipe for— people's agenda, then that is a recipe for a positive move forward. alex salmond, we will keep you there. we'lljust have a quick listen to some of the questions coming intojohn swinney. i listen to some of the questions coming into john swinney. i know how democracy and _ coming into john swinney. i know how democracy and the _ coming into john swinney. i know how democracy and the internal _ coming into john swinney. i know how democracy and the internal workings i democracy and the internal workings of the party should operate, how to have proper discussions to engage people in addressing the difficult issues that we face, the complex policy challenges that we face and how we talk through to arriving at a

solution. 0nce how we talk through to arriving at a solution. once you do that, then people will accept you have had a good process of discussion and agreement. that's what people get from me going forward. in relation to kate forbes, i want to make sure i have a strong team that is able to lead the scottish government. i have made it very clear that kate will have a book full to play in that, along with many other people. we will all be individually and collectively responsible for the prospects of the snp government, for the scottish national party, and for the scottish national party, and for the country. and that's a great privilege, and we will all share it. john, congratulations. a lot has changed — john, congratulations. a lot has changed since _ john, congratulations. a lot has changed since 2021. _ john, congratulations. a lot has changed since 2021. now- john, congratulations. a lot has changed since 2021. now that l john, congratulations. a lot has . changed since 2021. now that you have been— changed since 2021. now that you have been crowned _ changed since 2021. now that you have been crowned the _ changed since 2021. now that you have been crowned the new- changed since 2021. now that you i have been crowned the new leader changed since 2021. now that you . have been crowned the new leader of the snp _ have been crowned the new leader of the snp aren't— have been crowned the new leader of the snp aren't likely _ have been crowned the new leader of the snp aren't likely to _ have been crowned the new leader of the snp aren't likely to be _ have been crowned the new leader of the snp aren't likely to be the - the snp aren't likely to be the first _ the snp aren't likely to be the first minister, _ the snp aren't likely to be the first minister, that— the snp aren't likely to be the first minister, that you - the snp aren't likely to be the first minister, that you think. the snp aren't likely to be the i first minister, that you think an election— first minister, that you think an election is— first minister, that you think an election is a _ first minister, that you think an election is a democratic- first minister, that you think an - election is a democratic imperative? to put— election is a democratic imperative? to put that — election is a democratic imperative? to put that into— election is a democratic imperative? to put that into context, _ election is a democratic imperative? to put that into context, you - election is a democratic imperative? to put that into context, you could i to put that into context, you could put down _ to put that into context, you could put down a — to put that into context, you could put down a motion _ to put that into context, you could put down a motion and _

to put that into context, you could put down a motion and ask- to put that into context, you could put down a motion and ask for- to put that into context, you could put down a motion and ask for one and labour— put down a motion and ask for one and labour would _ put down a motion and ask for one and labour would back— put down a motion and ask for one and labour would back you. - put down a motion and ask for one and labour would back you. isn't l and labour would back you. isn't that the — and labour would back you. isn't that the democratic— and labour would back you. isn't that the democratic thing - and labour would back you. isn't that the democratic thing to - and labour would back you. isn't that the democratic thing to do? j and labour would back you. isn't - that the democratic thing to do? no, we 0 erate that the democratic thing to do? we operate any fixed term parliament. the public go to the polls, they elect members of parliament, we set for a five year period. the arrangement of the scottish parliament image and the g that can be change of leadership during that time. the right and proper thing to do is to follow the rules of our and to ensure that we follow the democratic decisions of people in 2021, we navigate our way through parliament, and that all parties work together for the common good. the parties work together for the common iood, ., , ., parties work together for the common aood. . . parties work together for the common aood. ., ., ,., parties work together for the common ood. ., ., y., ., good. the reason i ask you that, when liz truss _ good. the reason i ask you that, when liz truss stepped - good. the reason i ask you that, when liz truss stepped down, i good. the reason i ask you that, - when liz truss stepped down, nicola sturgeon _ when liz truss stepped down, nicola sturgeon said — when liz truss stepped down, nicola sturgeon said it _ when liz truss stepped down, nicola sturgeon said it was _ when liz truss stepped down, nicola sturgeon said it was a _ when liz truss stepped down, nicola sturgeon said it was a democratic . sturgeon said it was a democratic imperative — sturgeon said it was a democratic imperative to _ sturgeon said it was a democratic imperative to call— sturgeon said it was a democratic imperative to call a _ sturgeon said it was a democratic imperative to call a general- imperative to call a general election _ imperative to call a general election it— imperative to call a general election. it was _ imperative to call a general election. it was because . imperative to call a generall election. it was because the imperative to call a general- election. it was because the tories were _ election. it was because the tories were crowning _ election. it was because the tories were crowning new— election. it was because the tories were crowning new leaders. - election. it was because the tories were crowning new leaders. so- election. it was because the tories were crowning new leaders. so is. election. it was because the toriesl were crowning new leaders. so is it not a _ were crowning new leaders. so is it not a democratic— were crowning new leaders. so is it not a democratic imperative? - were crowning new leaders. so is it not a democratic imperative? wasl were crowning new leaders. so is iti not a democratic imperative? was it wrong? _ not a democratic imperative? was it

wrong? i— not a democratic imperative? was it wron: ? ~ , , not a democratic imperative? was it wron: ? ~' . , . not a democratic imperative? was it wron: ? ~' .. . ., wrong? i think the issue at that nicola sturgeon _ wrong? i think the issue at that nicola sturgeon was _ wrong? i think the issue at that nicola sturgeon was raising - wrong? i think the issue at that nicola sturgeon was raising atl wrong? i think the issue at that i nicola sturgeon was raising at the end of the liz truss administration was that the economy had been completely and utterly trashed by the madness of liz truss. for me, that's what the problem was, the country had been wrecked by that madness. i would just point out that the scottish conservatives wanted me to follow right in her footsteps, which thankfully i did not do. but that was the democratic imperative. the people in this country today are paying the price for a liz truss's economic mistakes, higher mortgage payments, higher interest rates and the feeling of the cost of living crisis. that's what we needed a change of government at that particular moment.— change of government at that particular moment. john, can i ask ou about particular moment. john, can i ask you about your— particular moment. john, can i ask you about your relationship - particular moment. john, can i ask you about your relationship going l you about your relationship going forward _ you about your relationship going forward with the scottish greens? that you — forward with the scottish greens? that you want to work across all parties — that you want to work across all parties. patrick harvie today says that his _ parties. patrick harvie today says that his party remains utterly

committed to policies such as better rights _ committed to policies such as better rights for— committed to policies such as better rights for tenants and writ controls, transforming the way we heat homes and a watertight ban on conversion — heat homes and a watertight ban on conversion therapy. are these issues that you _ conversion therapy. are these issues that you will — conversion therapy. are these issues that you will remain committed to as well? _ that you will remain committed to as well? �* , that you will remain committed to as well? �* . , . ., well? i'm sure there will be a lot of common _ well? i'm sure there will be a lot of common ground _ well? i'm sure there will be a lot of common ground between - well? i'm sure there will be a lot - of common ground between ourselves and the scottish green party. we have not led collaboratively over the course of the last couple of years in a scottish parliament and the scottish government. as i say, i want to work with all members of parliament to chart the future of scotland in a collaborative and cooperative way. i don't intend to return to a bute house agreement, i don't intend to return to the of fixed arrangements that we had. we will take on an issue by issue business two basis. i'm sure on some issues will have to find support and agreement with other political parties. we are in a situation where we will be operating in a minority government and it is important we

find common cause on the issues that matter. i've seen some commentary about the political position of the government. last week i set out that i will lead a government from the centre—left position in scottish politics, the moderate centre a lift. that is where i come from, thatis lift. that is where i come from, that is what my policy two party's policy base is. that is what my policy two party's policy base is— policy base is. you have spoken about how _ policy base is. you have spoken about how you _ policy base is. you have spoken about how you want _ policy base is. you have spoken about how you want to - policy base is. you have spoken about how you want to convince policy base is. you have spoken - about how you want to convince more people _ about how you want to convince more people to _ about how you want to convince more people to support _ about how you want to convince more people to support independence. - about how you want to convince more people to support independence. is i people to support independence. is there _ people to support independence. is there a _ people to support independence. is there a threshold _ people to support independence. is there a threshold for— people to support independence. is there a threshold for what - people to support independence. is there a threshold for what you - people to support independence. is| there a threshold for what you think support— there a threshold for what you think support should _ there a threshold for what you think support should be _ there a threshold for what you think support should be in _ there a threshold for what you think support should be in terms - there a threshold for what you think support should be in terms of - there a threshold for what you think support should be in terms of the i support should be in terms of the yes, no— support should be in terms of the yes, no question? _ support should be in terms of the yes, no question? i— support should be in terms of the yes, no question? i think- support should be in terms of the yes, no question? i think we - support should be in terms of the | yes, no question? i think we have -ot yes, no question? i think we have got to— yes, no question? i think we have got to spend _ yes, no question? i think we have got to spend a _ yes, no question? i think we have got to spend a lot— yes, no question? i think we have got to spend a lot of— yes, no question? i think we have got to spend a lot of times - yes, no question? i think we have got to spend a lot of times two i yes, no question? i think we have i got to spend a lot of times two town think about — got to spend a lot of times two town think about the _ got to spend a lot of times two town think about the persuasion - got to spend a lot of times two town think about the persuasion of - got to spend a lot of times two town| think about the persuasion of people on independence, _ think about the persuasion of people on independence, rather— think about the persuasion of people on independence, rather than- think about the persuasion of people. on independence, rather than process guestions _ on independence, rather than process questions that — on independence, rather than process questions that have _ on independence, rather than process questions that have absorbed - on independence, rather than process questions that have absorbed a - on independence, rather than process questions that have absorbed a huge i questions that have absorbed a huge amount— questions that have absorbed a huge amount of— questions that have absorbed a huge amount of consideration _ questions that have absorbed a huge amount of consideration in _ questions that have absorbed a huge amount of consideration in this i amount of consideration in this discussion _

amount of consideration in this discussion i_ amount of consideration in this discussion. i think— amount of consideration in this discussion. i think when - amount of consideration in this| discussion. i think when people think— discussion. i think when people think about, _ discussion. i think when people think about, let's _ discussion. i think when people think about, let's take - discussion. i think when people think about, let's take the i discussion. i think when people think about, let's take the cost| discussion. i think when people i think about, let's take the cost of living _ think about, let's take the cost of living crisis. — think about, let's take the cost of living crisis, when— think about, let's take the cost of living crisis, when they _ think about, let's take the cost of living crisis, when they think- living crisis, when they think through. _ living crisis, when they think through. why— living crisis, when they think through, why are _ living crisis, when they think through, why are we - living crisis, when they think- through, why are we experiencing this cost— through, why are we experiencing this cost of— through, why are we experiencing this cost of living _ through, why are we experiencing this cost of living crisis. _ through, why are we experiencing this cost of living crisis. it - through, why are we experiencing this cost of living crisis. it is- this cost of living crisis. it is clear— this cost of living crisis. it is clear to _ this cost of living crisis. it is clear to me _ this cost of living crisis. it is clear to me that _ this cost of living crisis. it is clear to me that is - this cost of living crisis. it is clear to me that is becausel this cost of living crisis. it is. clear to me that is because of decisions _ clear to me that is because of decisions taken _ clear to me that is because of decisions taken by _ clear to me that is because of decisions taken by the - clear to me that is because of- decisions taken by the westminster government— decisions taken by the westminster government that _ decisions taken by the westminster government that have _ decisions taken by the westminster government that have been - decisions taken by the westminster. government that have been damaging to the _ government that have been damaging to the economic— government that have been damaging to the economic and _ government that have been damaging to the economic and social— to the economic and social well-being _ to the economic and social well—being in— to the economic and social well— being in scotland. i to the economic and social well-being in scotland. that is what the discussion _ well-being in scotland. that is what the discussion has _ well-being in scotland. that is what the discussion has got _ well-being in scotland. that is what the discussion has got to _ well-being in scotland. that is what the discussion has got to be - well-being in scotland. that is what the discussion has got to be about. | the discussion has got to be about. decided people that if we want to avoid these types of situations happening again, we have to have the powers of a normal independent country to do that. i look forward to making this points to the people of scotland. to making this points to the people of scotland-— of scotland. congratulations, john swinne . of scotland. congratulations, john swinney- you _ of scotland. congratulations, john swinney. you are _ of scotland. congratulations, john swinney. you are knowledge i of scotland. congratulations, john swinney. you are knowledge of i of scotland. congratulations, john | swinney. you are knowledge of the sup, _ swinney. you are knowledge of the snp, you _ swinney. you are knowledge of the snp, you will probably be first tomorrow. you have thought a lot about _ tomorrow. you have thought a lot about bringing in ideas. what is your— about bringing in ideas. what is your one — about bringing in ideas. what is your one big policy idea that you will put — your one big policy idea that you will put forward now that ludik lovely — will put forward now that ludik lovely country? my

will put forward now that ludik lovely country?— will put forward now that ludik lovely country? my principal policy interest, lovely country? my principal policy interest. the _ lovely country? my principal policy interest, the thing _ lovely country? my principal policy interest, the thing i'm _ lovely country? my principal policy interest, the thing i'm determined to do is vindicate child poverty in scotland. 0bserve what will he do in the period going forward, because i have had —— if i have the privilege to be selected as first minister tomorrow, i will maximise the government to see what we can do in other powers to eradicate child poverty. it is a curse, i want to eradicate it is a curse, i want to eradicate it is a curse, i want to eradicate in scotland.— eradicate it is a curse, i want to eradicate in scotland. kate forbes has said in response _ eradicate in scotland. kate forbes has said in response to _ eradicate in scotland. kate forbes has said in response to the - eradicate in scotland. kate forbes has said in response to the last i eradicate in scotland. kate forbes i has said in response to the last snp budget, _ has said in response to the last snp budget, the — has said in response to the last snp budget, the continual— has said in response to the last snp budget, the continual increase i has said in response to the last snp budget, the continual increase in. budget, the continual increase in taxes _ budget, the continual increase in taxes was — budget, the continual increase in taxes was counter—productive i budget, the continual increase in- taxes was counter—productive because it ultimately— taxes was counter—productive because it ultimately reduces _ taxes was counter—productive because it ultimately reduces public _ it ultimately reduces public revenue _ it ultimately reduces public revenue i— it ultimately reduces public revenue. ijust _ it ultimately reduces public revenue. ijust wonder- it ultimately reduces public revenue. ijust wonder if. it ultimately reduces publici revenue. ijust wonder if you it ultimately reduces public - revenue. ijust wonder if you share her analysis— revenue. ijust wonder if you share her analysis that _ revenue. ijust wonder if you share her analysis that progressive i her analysis that progressive taxation— her analysis that progressive taxation might _ her analysis that progressive taxation might have - her analysis that progressive taxation might have gone i her analysis that progressivel taxation might have gone too her analysis that progressive i taxation might have gone too far. her analysis that progressive - taxation might have gone too far. as part of— taxation might have gone too far. as part of a _ taxation might have gone too far. as part of a move — taxation might have gone too far. as part of a move back— taxation might have gone too far. as part of a move back to _ taxation might have gone too far. as part of a move back to the _ taxation might have gone too far. as part of a move back to the centre, i part of a move back to the centre, you look—

part of a move back to the centre, you look at— part of a move back to the centre, you look at perhaps _ part of a move back to the centre, you look at perhaps cutting - part of a move back to the centre, i you look at perhaps cutting income tax in _ you look at perhaps cutting income tax in future — you look at perhaps cutting income tax in future budgets. _ you look at perhaps cutting income tax in future budgets. you- you look at perhaps cutting income tax in future budgets.— tax in future budgets. you will for: ive tax in future budgets. you will forgive me _ tax in future budgets. you will forgive me if— tax in future budgets. you will forgive me if i _ tax in future budgets. you will forgive me if i don't _ tax in future budgets. you will forgive me if i don't have i tax in future budgets. you will forgive me if i don't have the l forgive me if i don't have the scottish government's budget at this podium this afternoon. i think there is a crucial word in the question you put to me there, the word continually. because continually you cannot keep increasing taxation. you have got to make the right tax judgments in the right context and the right circumstances. that is what i think the scottish government has done. we have used the powers which were acquired through the smith commission, which i was very much instrumental in securing for the parliament, to enable us to get to a position where people who are on higher incomes are able to make more of a contribution to the public finances. we can lower the burden for those at lower ends of the

spectrum. but everybody benefits from the social contract we make available to people in scotland. somebody on a high income in scotland will be able, if their child comes to this university, to come here without paying tuition fees. that is a huge benefit to people within our country. that is available to be pope that you are in available to be pope that you are in a low or high income household. the difference is that you pay more in, reflecting your income. these are some of the sentences judgments that we have got to make. but what i am certain about is the effect that has been speculated about the tax changes that will be made in scotland, as at the evidence is now showing, has not substantiated to the opposition taunts that have been set out. actually, more people are coming to scotland as contributors to our economy that are leaving

scotland as contributors to our