After over four decades in the SNP and nearly two in government, John Swinney is finally stepping up to the top job for the first time, becoming Scotland’s new First Minister.
He’s no stranger to big jobs - it’s actually his second stint as SNP leader - but leading his country and his party is looking tougher than ever, as the SNP finds itself facing formidable challenges.
Who is this stalwart of the SNP, and do his life and experiences equip him for the task ahead? Mark Coles talks to friends, colleagues, and those who’ve watched this political operator up close for years.
Presenter: Mark Coles Producer: Nathan Gower Assistant Producer: Diane Richardson and Marianna Brain Editor: Tom Bigwood Programme Coordinators: Maria Ogundele and Sabine Schereck Sound Engineer: Neil Churchill
Music:
‘John Swinney (We Salute You)' by Nocturnal Vermin (Isaac Brutal, James ‘Slippyunderfoot‘ McCready, Arnold Bastard)
Ann-Marie Powell
Baroness Floella Benjamin
Isaac Levido
Paul Sinton-Hewitt
Simon Harris
Bishop Rosemarie Mallett
Vaughan Gething
Michael Gove
Sir Paul Marshall
Yulia Navalnaya
Frank Auerbach
James Timpson
Emma Little-Pengelly
General Sir Patrick Sanders
Jurgen Klopp
Gabriel Attal
Colleen Hoover
Richard Tice
Sir Mufti Hamid Patel
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