Graeme McCormick has pulled out of the SNP leadership race, leaving John Swinney as the only official candidate to succeed Humza Yousaf.
John Swinney is tipped to become Scotland’s next first minister after Graeme McCormick pulled out of the SNP leadership race.
Mr McCormick’s decision to drop-out of the leadership contest means Mr Swinney is the only candidate in the running the replace Humza Yousaf as first minister.
Mr Yousaf announced his decision to resign from the position last week after a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party was ended.
Mr McCormick said he had a “lengthy and fruitful conversation” with Mr Swinney before deciding to withdraw from the race.
According to Politics UK, he added: “John and I are activists from both parties who agree on the challenges facing the SNP, the government and the people, and who explore new ways of thinking on a range of issues, which we believe will be inspiring if progress is made.”
“This is a new beginning for our party members and politicians, and I am confident that John’s determination to achieve independence will pay off at the next general election.”
“I “Therefore, I am here. My conclusion is that I do not intend to proceed with my nomination as leader of the party, but instead support the nomination of John Swinney as leader of the party and first minister of Scotland.” He said a leadership contest could delay the SNP’s “rebuild”.
Speaking to Trevor Phillips on Sky News on Sunday morning, he said: “Get on with it as soon as possible, because we are spending every day competing internally, the consequences of which we probably all know, and delaying the SNP’s chance to start rebuilding.” is likely to be sworn in as Prime Minister as early as next week following a vote on Holyrood Island.
Activist Mr McCormick was not elected to the Scottish Parliament, so he would not have been able to become Prime Minister had he won the leadership election. He is said to have told SNP members that they should play a dual role, according to the PA news agency.