Politics of Scotland
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The politics of Scotland operate within the constitution of the United Kingdom, of which Scotland is a country. Scotland is a democracy, being represented in both the Scottish Parliament and the Parli
The pre-union Kingdom of Scotland's government met at Parliament House, Edinburgh
John Swinney, First Minister since May 2024
Jenny Gilruth, Deputy First Minister since May 2026
A pro-independence march in Scotland in 2026
John Swinney
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John Ramsay Swinney is a Scottish politician who has served as First Minister of Scotland since 2024. Swinney has served as Leader of the Scottish National Party since 2024, and previously between 200
Politics of Scotland
…government crisis. The first minister is conventionally the leader of the political party with the most support in the Scottish Parliament, currently John Swinney who was appointed in May 2024. Nicola Sturgeon, the previous first minister, led the government since November 2014. Before Sturgeon, Alex Salmond led…
Swinney speaking in a Scottish Parliament debate, June 2000
Swinney in the Scottish Parliament, April 2000
Swinney's official portrait as Cabinet Secretary for Sustainable Growth