He steps into the role with a Westminster election months away - and a drop in the SNP's ratings.

The veteran politician has become Scotland's eighth first minister after being elected unopposed as SNP leader.

The new first minister has named Kate Forbes as deputy first minister.

The former finance secretary is considering whether to stand as leader of the SNP.

The SNP leader has been sworn in as the seventh first minister of Scotland.

He is now expected to form his government, with a "significant" role being promised to Kate Forbes.

For the second time in his life, John Swinney is elected leader of the SNP in difficult circumstances.

The new party leader is expected to be nominated by MSPs as first minister as early as Tuesday.