one of humza try to predecessor. 0ne of humza try to break_ predecessor.k free, he found them conspiring with the _ break free, he found them conspiring with the tories to bring him down. that is— with the tories to bring him down. that is the — with the tories to bring him down. that is the dilemma thatjohn swinney— that is the dilemma thatjohn swinney has. how as a minority government, can he appeal across the pariiament— government, can he appeal across the parliament and stay true to the cause _ parliament and stay true to the cause of— parliament and stay true to the cause of independence? i have one piece _ cause of independence? i have one piece of— cause of independence? i have one piece of advice for him, i would need _ piece of advice for him, i would need a — piece of advice for him, i would need a passage to the door of ash regan's _ need a passage to the door of ash regan's door as quickly as possible. ithink— regan's door as quickly as possible. i think you _ regan's door as quickly as possible. i think you would find a willing helper— i thin

i call on | humza yousaf. my heart will forever belon: to humza yousaf.y heart will forever belong to scotland. so to _ humza yousaf. my heart will forever belong to scotland. so to have - humza yousaf. my heart will forever belong to scotland. so to have the l belong to scotland. so to have the opportunity to defy the far right, to defy the racists, defy the bigots who told me to go home, but to be in a position to serve my country and to have led to my home, well, that has been the most tremendous honour that i did not think was reserved for people who looks like me. msf’s for people who looks like me. msps then voted in _ for people who looks like me. msps then voted in a _ for people who looks like me. msps then voted in a new _ for people who looks like me. msps then voted in a new snp _ for people who looks like me. msps then voted in a new snp first - then voted in a new snp first minister, who said he agonised over whether to stand because of his concern for his wife, in the pink jacket, who has multiple sclerosis. i cannot let this moment pass wi

john, can i ask, will there be| a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet _ a role for humza yousafyour cabinet and — a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if— a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if not, _ a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if not, do _ a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if not, do you - a role for humza yousaf within your cabinet and if not, do you expect. cabinet and if not, do you expect him to— cabinet and if not, do you expect him to return _ cabinet and if not, do you expect him to return to _ cabinet and if not, do you expect him to return to the _ cabinet and if not, do you expect him to return to the ministerial. him to return to the ministerial rote _ him to return to the ministerial role in — him to return to the ministerial role in the _ him to return to the ministerial role in the future? _ him to return to the ministerial role in the future? i’m“ - him to return to the ministerial role in the future?— him to return to the ministerial role in the future? i'm not going to no role in the future? i'm not goin

this is after humza yousaf you you see there resigned as head of the snp. previously ran to become leader against humza yousaf but has decided not to run this time, potentially significant so let's cross over to lorna gordon in edinburgh who can talk us through this. kate lorna gordon in edinburgh who can talk us through this.— talk us through this. kate forbes was seen as _ talk us through this. kate forbes was seen as one _ talk us through this. kate forbes was seen as one of _ talk us through this. kate forbes was seen as one of the _ talk us through this. kate forbes i was seen as one of the frontrunners for the job, was seen as one of the frontrunners for thejob, there's been a lot of speculation she her hat into the ring. she stood for the position last time and narrowly lost out to humza yousaf, she yousaf, she said she was the change not continuity candidate but in a quite extensive statement released in the last 30 minutes she said she had listened carefully to the vision thatjohn swinney set up this morning for scotland. and that it was clear and

humza yousaf lasted in the position forjust 13 scotland.ted in the position forjust 13 months before just under two weeks ago he sacked the greens from government and they withdrew their support for him, making it impossible for him to continue in position. there was for some days... there we have a round of applause from mr swinney from waiting supporters. as he slowly accompanies his wife elizabeth to their car. he said that his family was very important to him and he had lots to consider before he decided to put his name forward to become first minister and leader of the snp. and there elizabeth and his son both getting into the car. in the end, of course, it wasn't a competition to become leader of the snp but a coronation. his main competitor for that position, kate forbes, withdrawing her name. we expect her to be given a senior position in his cabinet. that cabinet reshuffle likely to take place in the next couple of hours, and here we havejohn swinney now approaching the cameras to make some comments after being sworn in as first mi

last year kate forbes stood to be leader of the snp, but she lost out narrowly to humza yousaf.lot of focus on whether she would be standing again in the new leadership contest after humza yousaf stood down as leader of the party. this is a new statement coming in from kate forbes saying she will not be standing as leader of the snp. more on that at the top of the snp. more on that at the top of the snp. more on that at the top of the hour. now it is time for the weather. hello, good afternoon. it was stormy across the south of england last night, with 4,000 lightning strikes in recorded and still the threat of heavy, thundery downpours not just this afternoon but tonight and tomorrow. more sunshine around today. the best in the north and west. for the afternoon, expect it to be cloudy in england and wales, drier in the south west, thunderstorms breaking out. still misty for north sea facing coasts. the best of the sunshine in northern ireland and scotland, 22 degrees possible in north west scotland. still warm for east anglia. this evening, the waving front will bring cloud, ou

mr swinney was my predecessor, humza yousaf, ended the power—sharing agreement.oment now. talk us through the events of today. just any moment now. talk us through the events of today-— events of today. just to recap, we now know — events of today. just to recap, we now know that — events of today. just to recap, we now know that john _ events of today. just to recap, we now know that john swinney, - events of today. just to recap, we now know that john swinney, the | now know thatjohn swinney, the veteran politician here in scotland, is now the new leader of the scottish national party. we are expecting to hear from scottish national party. we are expecting to hearfrom him scottish national party. we are expecting to hear from him very shortly. in terms of the events of today, there was a deadline for the snp leadership nominations. that closed at midday. a short time later it was announced thatjohn swinney was the only candidate to replace humza yousaf, who resigned last monday after just 13 months humza yousaf, who resigned last monday afterjust 13 months in c

yousaf and he _ prominent supporter of humza yousaf and he has _ prominent supporter of humza yousaf they have enacted. but now at long last and perhaps _ enacted. but now at long last and perhaps with some reluctance, he has a shot— perhaps with some reluctance, he has a shot at— perhaps with some reluctance, he has a shot at the — perhaps with some reluctance, he has a shot at the top job. perhaps with some reluctance, he has a shot at the topjob. we know perhaps with some reluctance, he has a shot at the top job. we know the kind of— a shot at the top job. we know the kind of government ministerjohn swinney— kind of government ministerjohn swinney has been. even though the kind of— swinney has been. even though the kind of snp leader he has been but john swinney the first minister remains — john swinney the first minister remains unknown. presiding officer, scott _ remains unknown. presiding officer, scott then— remains unknown. presiding officer, scott then waits to see whether he will be _ scott then waits to see whether he will be a _ scott then waits to see whether he will be

tue: reason for humza independent stance right now?ly comes back to ending the power—sharing agreement with the scottish greens come on the reasons for ending that were not really event independence, it was around other issues where there were tensions, run climate change and a transgender health care. but that is an issue with an independence movement as a whole, how you keep those tensions at spare, how you keep the cohesion and working together towards independence, where there is agreement but also work through these issues, other policy issues, the day—to—day ones come up where there is disagreement, there is also disagreement around the strategy of moving towards independence. that's notjust a case between the three independent supporting parties, the greens and alba, but also within the parties. there have been tensions in the snp a run strategy. john swinney has referenced that. he has talked about there not been as much cohesion with there not been as much cohesion with the snp as he would like and he wants to work on party un

and all while we humza yousaf.ote was defeated 72, 30, 58. and it looks very much like the green party, which of course was part of that green . a bute house of that green. a bute house agreement which humza yousaf torpedoed , late last week. well, torpedoed, late last week. well, they voted with the government . they voted with the government. however, we know that ash regan, scotland's only alba msp. well, she voted to have no confidence in the government, which certainly was a turn up for the books. if you were following events, you know, over the weekend as to who would support the government or not, but as i kind of mentioned yesterday, it all feels somewhat of a distraction while we wait for news of humza yousafs potential replacement, news of humza yousafs potential replacement , it's. news of humza yousafs potential replacement, it's. and i've news of humza yousafs potential replacement , it's. and i've got replacement, it's. and i've got good news for you both this morning. it looks like we're actually goi

on a tumultuous day in scottish politics, humza yousaf has announced he is standing down as snp leadernd scotland's first minister afterjust 13 months in office. a number of viewers contacted us, concerned not by that brief and unscheduled appearance from chris mason at the start there, but by what the bbc�*s political editor and presenterjane hill were doing in edinburgh in the first place. there's already a scotland editor for bbc news, james cook, and he was on the spot and reporting on the story too, and joining chris and jane in a discussion about the implications of humza yousef�*s resignation. amanda thomas was one of those asking this question was it really asking this question. well, mary jane wright also got in touch with us and we can now speak to her. hello, mary jane. thank you for coming on newswatch. what did you object to about the bbc�*s coverage of this story? well, mainly was what your correspondents have just said. is that what it really necessary to send chris mason and jane hill there? the bbc in scotland have excellent reporters. they know the area extremely well

now former first minister humza yousaf . but of minister humza yousaf.he post on monday and douglas ross withdrew that vote. yesterday. so anas sarwar, his vote is going ahead today. anas sarwar and scottish labour, they've actually, i would say , been actually, i would say, been election ready for quite some time now or so he has been campaigning on. but indeed before the snp certainly is ready to get into any kind of election . they're going to need election. they're going to need a leader. and would you believe it , two days on, we still have it, two days on, we still have no official nominations now. we've had some words with some politicians already today here at holyrood. kate forbes made something of a bullet run through the press pack, saying very little whatsoever. john swinney though, obviously nicola sturgeon's former deputy first minister, he did take a very short amount of time to stop and talk to the press. here's what he had to say. >> i have to be very, very careful about my family circumstances so i will not be rushed into making decisio

humza yousaf face a vote of no confidence in his leadership. to bring the snp together. to build a better future for everyone in a modern and dynamic and diverse scotland. i want to unite scotland for independence. in the right everyone in the snp who wants tojoin me on in the right everyone in the snp who wants to join me on thatjourney to do so now. short time ago we spoke to our corresponding gordon. kate forbes has ruled himself out. kate forbes has ruled himself out. kate forbes was — forbes has ruled himself out. kate forbes was seen _ forbes has ruled himself out. kate forbes was seen as _ forbes has ruled himself out. kate forbes was seen as one _ forbes has ruled himself out. kate forbes was seen as one of the front runners for thisjob. there has been a lot of speculation that she would throw our hat into the ring. she stood for the position last time. she narrowly lost out to humza yousaf. she was the candidate for change. in an extensive statement released in the last half hour, she said she had listened very carefully to the vision

detail about what is next and the challenges that before the first minister i would like to thank humzafor his service and i wish him and his family well, especially as they await their new arrival to their family. as they await their new arrival to theirfamily. politics can be as they await their new arrival to their family. politics can be a bruising business, you win some, you lose some, you have to offer your ideas and character and values up

he is running to succeed humza yousaf as both snp leader and scotland's first minister.be the successful, it will be the second time mr swinney, who was deputy first minister for more than eight years under nicola sturgeon, has led his party. he previously held the post between 2000 and 2004. speaking in edinburgh, a short time ago, he confirmed he would be in the running to build on the work of the snp government to create a modern, diverse, dynamic scotland that will ensure opportunity for all of our citizens. >> i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence how. >> now. >> voters are heading to the polls today in a series of local elections across the country. there are elections in 107 local authorities across england as well as 11 mayoral races. a by—election will elect a new blackpool south mp following the resignation of former conservative scott benton. police and crime commissioners will also be chosen. prime minister rishi sunak has been out and about campaigning today. meanwhile, labour leader keir starmer was at the polling station in and lib de

humza yousaf has officially resigned. let'sjust humza yousaf has officially resigned.is that we have now from rafah. we are keeping across the israeli military action there. the idf say they have control now of the gaza side of the rafah crossing. in cairo, the talks will be getting on again to under way. hamas is said they are accepting a ceasefire deal from israel, but israel say they are rejecting that. a few moments ago, they are hugely concerned that the rafah crossing is closed and they can't get fuel aid into gaza. at the moment, that means nothing is operational there. moment, that means nothing is operationalthere. due moment, that means nothing is operational there. due to stay with us on bbc news. hello. at long last, a little bit of welcome news in the forecast for the rest of this week, after what has been a particularly wet spell for some southern and eastern areas. at the isle of portland in dorset, we've already exceeded our main rainfall in the first seven days. contrast that with kinloss on the moray coast where, we've not seen a drop of rain recorded

this was started after humza yousaf announced he would stand down as leader. that has been confirmed. you will take on the snp leadership so if you wear with is just 20 minutes or so ago at the top of the programme, top of the hour, 12 o'clock time, it was basically the closing point for nomination so no one put their name forward to run againstjohn swinney so, therefore, he is the only candidates that therefore he the new leader of the scottish national party, the is snp. there was last night, 2a hours ago orso there was last night, 2a hours ago or so a potential rival and they did secure the number, the pre—requisite backing and support but they did not move forward so it always looked like it would be mr swinney as the only candidate in the race and, indeed, that is how it has turned out. so, now that that nomination process has close, now we're hearing from some of the news agencies and the news wires that that is the case, that has been confirmed as the snp's new leader. we should be due to hearfrom him and all the ceremonialfunctions to hearfrom him and

let's got to scotland now, where humza yousaf has signed a letter to the king formally tendering hisst minister afterjohn swinney was elected as the snp�*s new leader. mr swinney is expected to become first minister later. that'll be scotland's seventh first minister, but we will hear from humza yousaf who tendered his resignation earlier today. he will make a formal— resignation earlier today. he will make a formal statement. - resignation earlier today. he will make a formal statement. we i resignation earlier today. he will. make a formal statement. we will bring you that live here on bbc news, but let's speak now to brian taylor. a political commentator and columnist for the herald. not the easiestjob in politics right now, being the first minister in scotland, i imagine. what will be his priorities? it’s in scotland, i imagine. what will be his priorities?— his priorities? it's exceptionally difficult considering _ his priorities? it's exceptionally difficult considering the - difficult considering the circumstances last year, given the circumstances last year, given the circums

in the meantime, we should say humza l themselves within the party.me, we should say humza yousaf continues as the first minister while this process goes on. that's ri . ht. he while this process goes on. that's right- he said _ while this process goes on. that's right. he said he _ while this process goes on. that's right. he said he will— while this process goes on. that's right. he said he will stay - while this process goes on. that's right. he said he will stay in - while this process goes on. that's right. he said he will stay in place as first minister until the new snp leader is appointed. worth pointing out also that graeme mccormick, if he won the snp leadership, he couldn't become first minister so he isn't an snp, so somebody else would need to become first minister. that's not really an issue because there is no chance he will bejohn swinney, john swinney is very popular and a very high profile figure within the party so it is a question of delaying john swinney becoming snp leader by another three weeks rather than a question of whether

what has humza yousef�*s fall taught us about where independence stands right now? really comes back to ending that power sharing agreement with the scottish greens and the reasons for ending that were not really around independence. it was around other issues where there were tensions around climate change and around transgender health care. but that is an issue within the independence movement as a whole, is how you keep those tensions at bay, how you keep the cohesion in working together towards independence, where there is agreement, but also work through these issues, other policy issues, the day to day ones where there's disagreement. and there's also disagreement around the strategy of moving towards independence. that's notjust the case between the three independent supporting parties, the snp, the greens and alba, but also within the parties, particularly within the snp. there have been tensions around strategy. john swinney has referenced that. he's talked about there not being as much cohesion within the snp as he would like and he wants to to work on par

the the boot into humza yousaf's a potential successor.— the boot into humza yousaf's a potential successorfor the future as their failed _ potential successor. the snp man for the future as their failed leader - the future as their failed leader from _ the future as their failed leader from the — the future as their failed leader from the past.— the future as their failed leader from the past. john swinney lent heavil on from the past. john swinney lent heavily on his — from the past. john swinney lent heavily on his experience - from the past. john swinney lent heavily on his experience in - heavily on his experience in government in his bid to win the keys to bute house. blunt about his party's problems and emphatic he can fix them. lorna joins us from the scottish parliament in edinburgh. talk us through the timetable of what happens next, potentially. denominations to become leader of the snp close at midday on monday. that's when we'll find out for sure whether it's a competition or not. but at the moment, judging byjohn swinney�*s assured campaign launched this morning, many think it

that is what humza correct. that is what humza yousaf did . i know that humza yousaf did.now that humza will continue to make a substantial contribution to the pubuc substantial contribution to the public life of scotland, and i want to thank him for all that he has done as our party leader and as our first minister. today is the beginning of a new chapter in our party's history , chapter in our party's history, a chapter that will be about coming together , uniting and coming together, uniting and dedicating ourselves to the service of scotland. i want to express my heartfelt thanks to the many party members, the many elected members at westminster and at holyrood and in our council chambers around the country for their encouragement. for me to stand for the party leadership . my decision to stand leadership. my decision to stand for the leadership is not borne out of long held ambition , but out of long held ambition, but rather a profound sense of duty to my party and to my country. i know there is some controversy that i am the only candidate to stand for the leadershi

humza leather for independence. humza yousaf leatherfor independence.nsistently shows, it is about 50—50 just now, but that is not enough in my opinion, so therefore i don't accept that independence is frustratingly close. i think we have to win more hearts and minds behind independence, which is why i want us to engage in that persuasion exercise with people in scotland, because we will never get to independence unless we build levels of support for independence, so that people can see that independence is the compelling proposition that will protect scotland from the folly of the tory brexit or the westminster imposed cost of living crisis, and thatis imposed cost of living crisis, and that is the way out of all of this for scotland, to give us a parliament with all of the normal powers of independence, to enable us to be able to chart our own course. i'm going straight back to nick there, that wasjohn swinney. there, that was john swinney. interestingly he took a decidedly different route from humza yousaf and said, we are not frustratingly close in

of daysin that happened the last couple of days in scottish politics but they were set aside when humza have a stable progressive, pro—independence majority government, but a minority government, but a minority government can be made to work and it can happen again, so that vote and it was backed by the greens. they have not lost their government —— confidence in the scottish government but have in the first minister what is happening with the leadership contest? the what is happening with the leadership contest? what is happening with the leadershi contest? ., ., , leadership contest? the attention is back onto the _ leadership contest? the attention is back onto the impending _ leadership contest? the attention is back onto the impending leadership| back onto the impending leadership election for a new leader of the scottish national party but so far no one has declared they are going to stand. there are two names that are widely reported and mentioned, they are thinking about standing, john swinney, the former deputy first minister who led the snp himself 20 years ago, he has the sup

but it looks like today could have been humza yousaf's final qus and next week, around this time, weising john swinney as scotland's next first minister. >> and there we have it. anybody hoping for an end to the murk woke politics north of the border might be slightly disappointed. john swinney basically is a continuity candidate. here's a guy who voted for gender recognition self—id for 16 year olds, of course. kate forbes, however, actually believes in christianity. she's a bible reading christian who's much more critical of the trans ideology , much more critical of ideology, much more critical of things like same sex marriage . things like same sex marriage. she didn't didn't succeed to become leader last time. and now she's stood aside. will it mean yet more of the same north of the border? of course. we'll keep all eyes on that story throughout the developing days. now, moving on the diplomatic row between the uk and ireland over asylum seekers is rumbling on, and a plan by ireland to send police officers to the border to stop migrants entering the country sparked a furious row

at humza yousaf, who resi . ned that they can. at humza yousaf, who resigned on — that they can. their old boxing club and name it after jimmy. has been talking to our reporter. mi; jimmy. has been talking to our re orter. g :, , jimmy. has been talking to our reorter. g :, , :, . , :, reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that ace reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were — reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being _ reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being in _ reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being in the _ reporter. my memories ofjimmy from that age were being in the park, - that age were being in the park, making rope swings, it�*s kind of the typical cliche what it�*s like to live a lovely life as young boys. jim henderson died while he was helping others. he was delivering food to people in gaza when his convoy was struck by three missiles. losing jimmy in convoy was struck by three missiles. losingjimmy in our convoy was struck by three missiles. losing jimmy in our friendship convoy was struck by three missiles. losingjimmy

later, john swinney has received support from senior members of the snp since first minister humza yousafnced on monday he would step down. the perthshire north msp , who the perthshire north msp, who served as nicola sturgeon's for deputy almost nine years, will make a statement in edinburgh later today and we're being warned of widespread travel disruption after a night of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms overnight. a care home in sussex was damaged by lightning strikes , according to west sussex fire and rescue. meanwhile yellow weather warnings remain in place across large parts of southern england. the met office said it could bring difficulties to driving conditions and some flooding . and for the latest flooding. and for the latest story , sign up to gb news alerts story, sign up to gb news alerts by scanning the qr code on your screen, or go to gbnews.com/alerts . it's now it's gbnews.com/alerts. it's now it's back to andrew and . bev. back to andrew and. bev. >> morning. morning. 934 this is britain's newsroom on gb news with me, bev turner and andrew pierce. >> well, i've resolv

>> oh yes, humza yousaf. >> oh yes, humza yousaf. >> but the labour party decided to keep their motionere ain't going to be, by the way, and there's a new a new election in scotland, then it's labour who will benefit massively. >> i mean, the opinion polls suggest that the nationalists could lose something like half their seats , parliamentary their seats, parliamentary common seats in an election. >> but but, i think the best, the best basic , the best we can the best basic, the best we can hope for today, from my point of view, is a unionist is more embarrassment for the snp . embarrassment for the snp. >> now, i suppose this all this all ties into incentives, doesn't it? >> i mean, looking at the polls, practically the only party in the scottish parliament that would really want there to be an early election would be the scottish labour party. the scottish labour party. the scottish tories are probably going to vote for this, despite the fact that were there to be an election, they might go backwards a little bit , but but backwards a little bit, but but frankly, the greens seem to

what has humza yousaf�*s fall taught us about where let's return to the middle east.eli attack on rafah in the gaza strip, saying it risks causing many more deaths. israel has said that even if there is a ceasefire agreement it will be temporary, and that it plans a military assault on rafah to destroy hamas. around 1.4 million people are sheltering in rafah — many of them displaced from other parts of gaza. our special correspondent, fergal keane, reports now on the crisis facing rafah. the story of desperate need told in a single line. stretching on the road to rafah. this is the queue on the egyptian side of the border. rafah is both the hub through which most of gaza's aid passes, and now home to nearly 1.5 million people, five times its original population, a place where hospitals have become refugee camps, where no living space is wasted. the wards where families cook, where their children roam, the corridors of a place that is, for now, safe. 11—year—old yassin is, according to his mother, surviving on painkillers. here, the brutal truth of the war is etched on

it was widely expected that john sweeney would be unopposed in the contest to replace humza yousaf, who tomorrow at midday, and as the only current contender, it was expected thatjohn swinney would become the next snp leader and seventh first minister of scotland. but there are now reports that graeme mccormick, a veteran activist, believes he will have enough nominations before then. he's someone who's previously been openly critical of the snp scottish government, including about its independence strategy. now, it's important to note too that if mr mccormick wants to win a contest, he could only become party leader. he can't become the first minister of scotland because he isn't an msp. now, john swinney was asked about this potential challenge today. he said he would respect any democratic process, but did argue that a contest could potentially delay the party from rebuilding. but in terms of what's next, if a contest does happen, it will trigger a leadership battle, which could go on until the end of may. the 27th of may is the cutoff for the snp to choose its next leader. but if th

to scotland now where — with less than 2a hours to go until nominations close to replace humza yousaf suggestions of a late entry to the race. at the moment, john swinney, the former deputy first minister and party leader, is the only person officially in the running. but veteran party activist graeme mccormack says he believes he can garner enough nominations by monday's deadline. 0ur bbc scotland political reporter — jenni davidson, told us more aboutjohn swinney and what this challenge could mean for him. he's a very popular figure. he's very high profile, very experienced, and there's a lot of personal affection for him within the smp. so it's unlikely that this is actually going to be a serious issue for him. but what it does mean for the party is that it would cause the leadership contest to go on for another three weeks. if there was only one nomination in tomorrow, by 12 noon, the deadline, if it was john swinney then he would simply be declared party leader tomorrow afternoon. but if there's more than one nomination, then it has to go to a vote of party members. so, more of a

and i call on humza yousaf. my heart will forever belong to scotland. so, to have the opportunity to defy the far right, to defy the racists, defy the bigots who told me to go home, the opportunity to lead to my home — well, that has been the most tremendous honour that i did not think was reserved for people who looks like me. msps then voted in a new snp first minister, who said he agonised over whether to stand because of his concern for his wife — in the pinkjacket — who has multiple sclerosis. i cannot let this moment pass without making it clear to elizabeth my profound eternal gratitude for the sacrifices she is prepared to make to enable her husband to serve our country as first minister. as for policy, he named one priority. so, i will be unapologetic about bringing to this parliament the measures we can take to eradicate child poverty and i look forward to seeking the support of others to achieve that aim. words underlined with deeds, asjohn swinney crossed as mr swinney crossed the floor to shake the hands of the opposition leaders. so, john

or should it be kate forbes, who ran humza yousaf close in an acrimonious leadership contestjust lasth other up, not talking each other down because we won't be able to benefit from that. unlike last time. that's a dig at kate forbes? no, it's not, because i've got to play my role and that as well so i am self reflecting on the fact that i was involved in that campaign. is there something wrong with politics in this country now and do you share some responsibility for that? the fact that almost every discussion and debate descends into a toxic culture war is really regressive for our politics. i'm not saying we should all agree on everything, i'm perfectly fine, that's the whole point of our politics is to debate. and by the way, to debate quite robustly. no party is perfect, i'm not suggesting to you we haven't at times overstepped the mark either in terms of respectful debate. but then it was back to the bearpit to defend not his leadership but the scottish government in a vote of no confidence. for the second time in as many years we have scandal, incompetence and political self—in

of course, humza yousaf , who was dubbed humza yousaf, who was dubbed humza useless not by the pressoice to be her successor. well, didn't it , to be her successor. well, didn't it, and sharon is saying i don't know why. best finding it so hilarious when we're talking about rwanda. £3,000 is a bargain if you consider what it would cost the welfare state to support him. do you know why, sharon? because it's like satire. we've been talking about this rwanda issue for so long, and admittedly, this isn't part of the main scheme. this is the voluntary section. but the fact that we've sent one man and the fact that the government have even let us know it's one man, it's like it's genuinely like parody . but i it's like it's genuinely like parody. but i agree it's like it's genuinely like parody . but i agree with it's like it's genuinely like parody. but i agree with you. £3,000 in his back pocket and board and lodgings for five years, though, and a seat on a commercial flight. you're right. thatis commercial flight. you're right. that is nothing compared to as long as he. >> and as long a

is he as worse as humza yousaf ., john swinney leading question, john swinney is one of the old guard in the snp, and, we should recall that he has been party leader. before in the period 2000 to 2004, where he presided over three elections, one scottish, one, uk westminster and one european one, and the snp lost ground in all of those. so that gives you some sort of idea of what his next tenure might be like , and next tenure might be like, and how popular is he amongst the voters there? >> stuart ? >> stuart? >> stuart? >> well, that's a difficult one really, because in many ways he's the only option for the snp at the moment, bar, kate forbes, who i think has got the broadest electoral appeal of all the potential snp, leaders, but the party is riven within with all sorts of different , factions sorts of different, factions and, and ideologies , and forbes and, and ideologies, and forbes is effectively being barred , is effectively being barred, from leading the snp by a fairly powerful cabal which is centred aroun

he would be declared the winner of the contest and that humza yousaf, the current first minister, becauseformally. at that point in time, john swinney would seek approvalfrom the in time, john swinney would seek approval from the parliament to in time, john swinney would seek approvalfrom the parliament to be approved as first minister and then would get on with the business of government. i was to take you straight to the georgian capital of the police see. you will be aware protests have been taking place over the last few nights. arnesen is thousands of protesters have blocked a key intersection of the capital city of tblisi. these are ongoing purchase over a law which is making its way through the georgian parliament at the moment. it is known as the foreign agents bill. which basely requires organisations which get more than 20% of their funding from abroad to register as agents of foreign influence. concerns we have heard in the country that this is cutting free speech in the country. we'll have plenty more on that during the programme —— tbilisi. still to come on the world today. o

or should it be kate forbes, who ran humza yousaf close in an acrimonious leadership contest just lastlking each other up not talking each other down, because the only people who benefit from that are our opponents. unlike last time. that's a dig at kate forbes? no, it's not, because i've got to play my role and that as well so i am self—reflecting on the fact that i was involved in that campaign. is there something wrong with politics in this country now, and do you share some responsibility for that? the fact that almost every discussion and debate descends into a toxic culture war is really regressive for our politics. i'm not saying that we should all agree on everything, i'm perfectly fine, that's the whole point of our politics is to debate. and, by the way, debate quite robustly. no party is perfect, i'm not suggesting to you we haven't perhaps at times overstepped the mark either in terms of respectful debate. but then it was back to the bearpit to defend not his leadership but the scottish government in a vote of no confidence. for the second time in as many years we have scan

the vacancy came up when the outgoing first minister, humza yousaf, resigned following the collapse ofovernment. here's a little of what he had to say at his news conference in the last hour. as first minister, my focus will be the economy, jobs, the cost of living. it will be the national health service, our schools and our public services. it will be addressing the climate crisis. so, to everyone in every party, to every msp, to every mp, in fact, to everyone in our great country, i say this — join me. don't let our disagreements dominate. join me as we open a new chapter, as we create a vibrant economy in every part of our country. as we tackle the challenges faced by the nhs, as we build on the strengths in our schools, as we build more homes, take climate action, improve public transport and create jobs. that's my job. that's ourjob. and i plan to get thejob done. so, who isjohn swinney? he's 60, he's a member of the scottish parliament for perthshire north since 2011. he previously represented north tayside from 1999. mr swinney is the former deputy first minister, and led the pa

this is about the battle to replace humza yousaf as leader of the scottish national party.idely expected thatjohn swinney would become the next party leader and scotland's first minister unopposed. however, reports suggest that veteran activist graham mccormick believes he is likely to receive enough nominations before monday's noon deadline. he has declined to speak to the bbc but if successful that would trigger a three week leadership contest. mr swinney has been talking to the bbc and said he would respect the democratic process but argued the contest could delay the party's rebuild. that's the news from scotland that we may see a late entrant in the race to replace humza yousaf as the snp leader and first minister. we will keep you updated on that. first let's check on the weather with simon king. it's been a fine start to sunday morning especially across england and wales where we had some sunny spells, for many of us it will stay largely dry with some sunshine into the afternoon. the parts of west sussex while it has been selling this morning we will start to see clo

and i call on humza yousaf. my heart will forever belong to scotland.me to go home,

i think it was interesting when humza yousaf gave his resignation statement.nk it was on monday and he said independence feels frustratingly close , but i don't think that's close, but i don't think that's the case. i don't think many people would agree with that. in fact, it feels further away than it has been for a very, very long. >> lots of headlines the next day saying this is a great day for the united kingdom. people feeling like, you know, those threats as some perceived them to be, have gone away with this crisis for the snp? >> yeah, i think that's right. it's nearly ten years since the since the referendum was in september 2014. and there was a ten point gap, when that vote happened, all of the polling suggests that it would be at least that margin, if not a bigger margin for , in favour of bigger margin for, in favour of the union now. so for the independence movement, it's a really, really difficult time. and actually, if you look ahead to the general election this yean to the general election this year, the snp's polling really badly because peop

and certainly a lot of them coming from humza yousaf's cabinet as well. gilruth and who, of course she was in various roles ian grey, neil grey , sorry, he was essentially grey, sorry, he was essentially one of the early runners along with jenny gilruth, to potentially replace humza yousaf. that didn't happen and there's some seniority in there as well. angus robertson well, i've never seen an snp government cabinet that doesn't feature angus robertson, he certainly made his way into bute house today after john swinney, and it will be quite interesting to see tomorrow. of course, a lot of talk about john swinney's first first ministers questions, but of course it's not because, as in when case of the first minister is away on international duties or whatever, it's often the deputy first minister who sits in and deals with the first minister's questions. so he is no fool when deaung questions. so he is no fool when dealing with the likes of anas sarwar and douglas ross. and i think he will very much, you know, he's essentially one of scotland's longest ser

and following humza thoughts.saf's departure as scotland's first minister, we're going to find out very soon who's going to replace him to take the helm of the snp leadership. i'll be joined by political commentator and journalist ian mcwhirter for his diagnosis. and finally, as always , as part of the taste of always, as part of the taste of britain series, we always have to have food on this show. when i'm about, i'll be speaking to andy shovel, founder of uk based plant based food. this. he'll share with us his tasty creations that we should all be trying over any bank holiday barbecues. all of that ahead. but first, your headlines with ray allison . ray allison. >> good afternoon. 12:01. our top stories. the prime minister is promising to take the fight to labour despite suffering mayoral election losses in england's two biggest cities. labour's richard parker sees the west midlands from outgoing tory mayor andy street and london mayor andy street and london mayor sadiq khan secured a historic third term in of

the vacancy arose after humza yousaf resigned, which followed him ending his coalition deal with theannouncing his candidacy earlier today. my message is crisp and simple. i'm stepping forward to bring the snp together, to deliver economic growth and socialjustice, to deliver the very best future for everyone in a modern, dynamic, diverse scotland. i want to unite the snp and unite scotland for independence. i invite everyone in the snp and in our country who wants tojoin me in thatjourney to do so now. thank you very much. applause i am joined by our scotland political correspondent david henderson, who is now at the holyrood garden lobby. david, your assessment in terms of what we have just heard, presumably he is now going to actually go forward, unchallenged. it he is now going to actually go forward, unchallenged. it certainly looks like that. _ forward, unchallenged. it certainly looks like that. what _ forward, unchallenged. it certainly looks like that. what a _ forward, unchallenged. it certainly looks like that. what a difference l forward, unchallenged. it certainly| looks

but it looks like today could have been humza yousaf's final qus. , we could week, around this time, we could be recognising john swinney as scotland's next first minister. >> thank you, tony mcguire. there is outside holyrood now. you've been getting in touch in your droves today via gb news for.com you all say and the one topic that's really got you going is that protest in peckham, where a group of locals have surrounded a coach that was meant to be taken asylum seekers, apparently to the bibby stockholm they wouldn't let it go. and a common theme , it has go. and a common theme, it has to be said, is the mighty water cannon . you don't seem to have cannon. you don't seem to have a great deal of sympathy. let's start with this one. susan harris. very amusing sending the coppers the water cannon, the sas, and even jim dale with a megaphone. then they have the choice of disbursement or being bored to death. it's a bit harsh, susan. i think jim dale is a cracking gentleman and a good sport , but, ann sewell adds good sport, but, ann sewell adds this

in his first interview since announcing his resignation on monday, humza yousaf told the bbc�*s scotlandmes cook, it's on me. look, i have made it really clear that ending the bute house agreement was the right decision, both my party and my country. but i have to acknowledge the manner in which i did it has caused great great upset, and that's on me. are you kicking yourself? i do of course reflect a lot and regret how this is ended, but equally, i will always be eternally grateful for having not just the opportunity to serve my country but also to lead my country. that has been the greatest honour of my life. you must be gutted, though? in one sense, you always know your time in office will come to an end. would i have liked a different ending? of course. but having led my country and served my country — i've been a government minister for almost 12 years — has been the greatest honour of my life. what changed ? within 48 hours, you went from this agreement with the greens is worth its weight in gold to it's not serving any purpose. what specifically changed ? for me, the agreement was

you look at, you know, humza yousaf obviously until recently.nse that for a minority of the population, there are there's quite a strong level of representation politically . politically. >> well to be a big significant group will take a long time because because population changes occur. but they're slow, so if you were talking about a significant muslim vote and assuming that , of course is assuming that, of course is coherent and so on, and there are divisions among muslims, as we know. yeah then, but assuming it's coherent, it's going to be a long time before you get, a muslim identity party really making ground and in local in, in national elections and to a lesser extent in local elections as well. so i think, you know, you can overdo this, but the wider issue, which is anger throughout the world, with what's happening in gaza, does affect other people as well as , affect other people as well as, muslims. and many of these are young and on the left. yeah. labour needs. >> absolutely. that's a key point. >> it's a key point. >> it's a key p

he succeeds the outgoing first minister, humza yousaf, who resigned after the collapse of his coalitionent. what a see—saw of emotions it has been in gaza today. first came the news that israel is planning an expanded assault on rafah, then the news tonight that a ceasefire was agreed but then quickly rejected injerusalem. the day had begun with orders for that evacuation. the idf dropped thousands of leaflets over rafah informing the palestianians the idf would soon be expanding its operation against terrorist operations in the eastern parts of the town. around 100,000 people were warned they would need to relocate to al mawasi an expanded safe zone, as they described it, east of khan younis. that set off a wave of panic and a flurry of phone calls at the white house where president biden was busy working the phones to try and revive a ceasefire agreement that hamas had rejected over the weekend. at the white house for lunch was his invted guest king abdullah ofjordan. several hours later came news from the political wing of hamas that the ceasefire had now been revived and accepted. o