This is bbc news, the headlines we can go to the Scottish Parliament where there is an election taking place to choose the new First Minister, to replace humza yousaf. John swinney is now in the process and the votes are being cast for him and the votes are being cast for him and it is expected he will imminently be leader of the Scottish National party but he needs to be formally elected as First Minister by the Scottish Parliament and that is what is happening right now. All of the Party Leaders are allowed to nominate themselves as First Minister and it is now the turn of john swinney and he is expected to have a majority of votes. Voting is pretty simple, msps press a button to register their preference. We can now have a listen. The to register their preference. We can now have a listen. Now have a listen. The vote is closed. Could now have a listen. The vote is closed. Could any now have a listen. The vote is closed. Could any member. Now have a listen. The vote is l closed. Coul
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