John Swinney to confirm bid to be Scotland’s next first minister

John
Swinney has the appearance of a bank manager, but he was in a rock band in his
youth.

He’s
seen as an experienced and safe pair of hands, though opposition critics
will point out the number of controversies he’s been involved in from the
failed named person scheme, and the school exam debacle during Covid to
being accused of withholding evidence from parliament during the Salmond
inquiry.

He’s
credited with professionalising the SNP, helping to turn it from a
party of protest to a party of power.

But
as leader two decades ago, the “men in grey kilts” had to urge him to
quit after disappointing election results.

He’s
widely regard as a decent and honourable man, yet he’s one of the biggest hecklers
in the Scottish Parliament chamber.

During
the last leadership election he said it was time for a fresh perspective from a
new generation.

Now,
he could be making a comeback.