John Swinney's term as First Minister of Scotland began on 8 May 2024, when he was formally sworn into office at the Court of Session, upon Humza Yousaf's resignation.

[1] In April 2024, Yousaf terminated the agreement, following changes to landmark climate policy by Màiri McAllan, Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Net Zero and Energy.

[7] Swinney was officially sworn into office as First Minister of Scotland on 8 May 2024 at the Court of Session in Edinburgh after receiving the Royal Warrant of Appointment by King Charles III.

Speaking about the first meeting of his cabinet since becoming First Minister, Swinney said "today, my colleagues and I embark on a new chapter as we collectively work to build a better, brighter future for the people of Scotland.

It is my greatest honour to lead us forward on that journey – one that will drive economic growth, tackle the climate crisis and eradicate the scourge of child poverty in our country once and for all".

He recognised that the NHS in Scotland is "operating under sustained pressure", further adding that " I am absolutely committed to working with health boards to improve standards – starting with our recent £30 million investment to drive down waiting times".

I'm pleased to also be able to visit one example of that record being the Levenmouth Rail Link, a line which will reconnect local communities for the first time in 50 years, and make a real contribution to the Government's net-zero transport ambitions.

In a speech to the Scottish Parliament, Swinney identified four priorities for Scotland including eradicating child poverty, growing the economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving public services.

[23] Swinney's Programme for Government was formally announced on 4 September 2024, aiming to deliver on eradicating child poverty, growing the Scottish economy, tackling the climate emergency and improving public services across Scotland.

[24] Since 2007, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per person in Scotland has risen by 11% compared to 6% in the rest of the United Kingdom, with Swinney advocating to build on this by spearheading a more inclusive economy by combating inequalities faced by women and minority groups, increasing investment and exports, promoting Scottish businesses and entrepreneurs, supporting business and encouraging more people into work.

Swinney pledged to publish a Green Industrial Strategy to outline the Scottish Government's plans towards a more net zero based economy and to establish internationally competitive clusters.

The Scottish Government recognises five internationally competitive clusters including onshore and offshore wind, carbon capture utilisation, storage, professional and financial services, together with hydrogen and clean industries.

The three drivers involved in the reduction of child poverty include improving income from employment, supporting people with the cost of living, and increasing awareness and uptake of social security benefits.

[31] As part of his programme for government, Swinney pledged to "work with our local authority partners through the Verity House agreement across a range of policy areas".

Additionally, Swinney claimed that his programme for government will "work with partners to improve the efficiency of the criminal justice system to deliver better for victims".

[32] Swinney stated that the decision to hold the 2024 general election on 4 July, when many Scottish schools were on holiday, was "the latest act of disrespect" by the Conservatives towards Scotland.

It was reported that Swinney's office manager had told an SNP staff WhatsApp group chat that "stamp fairy is very useful when it comes to campaigns".

[36] Swinney introduced a focused strategy to "place Scotland at the forefront of the net zero economy with targeted actions to secure growth and investment".

Delivered as part of Swinney's Programme for Government in September 2024, the Green Industrial Strategy sets out five priority areas relating to maximising Scotland’s wind economy, growing the hydrogen sector, developing the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sector, supporting green economy professional and financial services, and attracting clean energy intensive industries such as data centres.

When asked to clarify his position of attending the memorial event by Sky News, Swinney claimed he would "do whatever is appropriate as First Minister of Scotland and I will pay the appropriate tributes".

Additionally, record spending for the National Health Service in Scotland was announced, with £21 billion being earmarked for the NHS in order to reduce waiting times and to ensure access to GPs was easier for the public.

Additional measures announced in the budget included extra winter payments for the elderly, funding to tackle the climate emergency and scrapping the council tax freeze.

[46] Later that day, it was announced by individual local authorities in the Red alert areas that the majority of schools would be closed on the 24 January as a result of the storm.

[47] Storm Éowyn made impact in Scotland on 24 January 2025, leaving around 117,000 homes across the country without power and electricity supply, with wind speeds as high as 102mph recorded on the Tay Road Bridge.

Swinney also joined a meeting of the Cabinet Office Briefing Rooms which was chaired by the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, Pat McFadden.

Local authorities – who are responsible for school closures - will be working to ensure all buildings meet the required safety standards to reopen safely to pupils".

[51] Swinney stated that it was "clear the severity of Storm Éowyn will continue into next week and this will have an impact on the speed at which utilities and local services can fully resume".

Swinney had previously spoken with Trump prior to his inauguration, and highlighted the importance to Scottish and American trade, particularly in the scotch whisky sector.