John Swinney has become leader of the SNP after being confirmed as the sole candidate to replace Humza Yousaf.

The party avoided a damaging and costly election after Graeme McCormick, a longtime leadership critic, dropped plans to stand against Swinney, 60.

Government officials have been told to prepare for a change of first minister on Tuesday in a sign that a swift transfer of power is being planned. Yousaf will hold his final cabinet meeting on Tuesday morning, with MSPs later given the opportunity to elect a new first minister.

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