John Swinney sworn in as Scotland's first minister as new cabinet appointed

Meanwhile, Kate Forbes was declared deputy first minister this afternoon, ITV News Correspondent Peter Smith reports

John Swinney has officially been sworn in as Scotland’s new first minister at the Court of Session in Edinburgh.

It comes after the Perthshire North MSP was elected SNP leader unopposed on Monday following the resignation of Humza Yousaf.

Mr Swinney, who has previously served as finance secretary, education secretary and deputy first minister for the Scottish government, appointed his new cabinet today.

Kate Forbes, who was widely touted as a successor to Mr Yousaf before ruling herself out of the race after a discussion with the new SNP leader, was declared deputy first minister on this afternoon.

She replaces Shona Robinson, who will keep her other role as finance secretary and will also serve as local government secretary. A list seen by ITV News shows all other cabinet members have remained in the same post.

Scotland's most senior judge, the Lord President Lord Carloway, presided over this morning's ceremony, which saw the new leader make his statutory declaration.

Mr Swinney raised his right hand and bowed his head as Lord Carloway read the three oaths of office – for the role of first minister, the Keeper of the Great Seal and the oath of allegiance to the King.

The Lord President then addressed the court about the independence of the judiciary.

John Swinney takes the oath as he is sworn in as first minister. Credit: PA

Mr Swinney takes on the role at a particularly chaotic time for the SNP, with Mr Yousaf ending his party's powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens in a row over climate targets and gender reforms.

The move triggered an expected no confidence vote in Mr Yousaf's leadership, but he stood down before it could be held. The Scottish government survived a separate no confidence vote, but the whole saga has still a reflection of the level of turbulence within the SNP.

Meanwhile the husband of former first minister Nicola Sturgeon, former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, is facing charges in connection with a police investigation into SNP finances.

Mr Swinney, who was SNP leader between 2000 and 2004, will now have the task of restoring unity and calm to Scotland's ruling party.

The new first minister was accompanied by his family, including wife Elizabeth, 13-year-old son Matthew and brother David at today's ceremony.

Mr Swinney stands with the Seals of Scotland as he is sworn in. Credit: PA

Speaking to reporters after the ceremony, Mr Swinney said taking the oaths had been an “overwhelming moment” and he spoke of his pride at being first minister and his family’s support.

After winning the support of MSPs in Holyrood on Tuesday, Mr Swinney pledged to devote himself to the job after being chosen to become the seventh person to be first minister since the Scottish Parliament was established 25 years ago. Mr Swinney said it was an “extraordinary privilege” to become Scotland’s new first minister as he pledged to “give everything I have” to the role.

Congratulating Mr Swinney on his new role, the SNP's leader in Westminster, Stephen Flynn, told the Commons his party's opponents should be "very careful what they wish for".

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know…