Statement | Deputy First Minister stands down
The Scottish Greens have thanked Deputy First Minister John Swinney for his “friendship, fortitude and fairness” after his decision to step down.
Co-Leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater said they would also aim to uphold the work he and outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon started by bringing the Scottish Greens into government through the Bute House Agreement.
Patrick Harvie MSP said:
“John Swinney has always been a true and passionate advocate for Scotland and we were proud to work with him to negotiate and deliver the Bute House Agreement.
“He takes with him the respect of people from across the political spectrum and we wish him well for the future, as he steps out of the glare of the spotlight and into whatever path lies ahead in his plans.
“His negotiating skills and professionalism have been a huge asset to the generation of SNP leaders of which he has played such a prominent part.”
Co-leader Lorna Slater MSP said:
“We thank John for his friendship, fortitude and fairness, not least in these most recent of years when he has offered a calming presence in often tumultuous times.
“As Scotland turns a new page in its political history I hope he looks back fondly at the very many chapters he has helped to write, and eagerly ahead to those still to come.”