John Swinney declares ‘new chapter’ as he becomes SNP leader

Swinney says party has been having a tough, rough time' as he laments impact of recent infighting and chaos

John Swinney declared a new chapter in our party's history" as he became leader of the Scottish National party on Monday, but said recent infighting and chaos had left the public worried about where we are as a party".

Speaking to senior SNP politicians and activists at an event at the University of Glasgow, Swinney said his decision to stand for the role of leader - after Humza Yousaf announced his intention to step down a week ago - was not born out of long-held ambition but rather a profound sense of duty to my party and my country".