John Swinney set to be crowned as new SNP leader TODAY after party dodges ... trends now
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John Swinney is set to be crowned the new SNP leader today when nominations in the party's contest to replace Humza Yousaf close at noon.
It is expected that Mr Swinney will run unopposed as SNP figures attempt to dodge another divisive leadership battle.
If he is confirmed as the SNP's new leader, Mr Swinney is then likely to become Scotland's next first minister - replacing Mr Yousaf - as early as tomorrow.
Party activist Graeme McCormick yesterday said he had secured the 100 nominations from 20 SNP branches needed to run against Mr Swinney.
But he later confirmed he had backed out of a leadership challenge after 'lengthy and fruitful' conversations with Mr Swinney.
Mr Swinney had earlier warned that a full-blown contest could damage the party's chances of recovering from a 'difficult' period.
John Swinney is set to be crowned the new SNP leader today when nominations in the party's contest to replace Humza Yousaf close at noon
The SNP were forced to look for a third new leader in little more than a year after Mr Yousaf, who replaced Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023, announced his resignation last Monday
Keith Brown, the SNP's depute leader, this morning said the 'field is clearing' ahead of Mr
