John Swinney said he will ensure  Kate Forbes plays a “significant role” in government as launched his bid to replace Humza Yousaf as SNP leader and First Minister.

The former deputy first minister announced he was standing in the SNP leadership contest, the only contender to announce so far.

Kate Forbes is expected to make her decision known later today.

Swinney, speaking to supporters in Edinburgh this morning, said the SNP needed to change and he was "stepping up".

He said he would: “Bring together the strengths and abilities of all our people.

“We have many talented people.

“I want Kate Forbes to play a significant part in that team.”

He said she was: “Intelligent creative and thoughtful.”

Swinney added: “I will make sure Kate is able to make that contribution.”

He also insisted he was not standing as a short-term answer.

He said: “I am no caretaker. I am no interim leader.

"I intend to lead through the Westminster election and through the 2026 election.

“Contests I intend to win.”

Swinney said he wanted to build on the “achievements” of the SNP in government since 2007.

Swinney said he wanted to: “Build on that work to create a modern, dynamic, diverse Scotland for all her citizens.”

He added he wanted to “Unite the SNP and Scotland for independence”.

He said there is going to have to be change accepting the SNP was “facing difficult times”.

Swinney said he had a track record of bringing people together and with a  “formidable track record of winning elections”.

He said: “I’m stepping up to the plate to sort that.”

“Once I build that unified team the opposition parties better watch out what’s coming towards them”

His backers in the hall included current government ministers Angus Robertson, Mairi McAllan, Shirley Anne Somerville and former minister Kevin Stewart.

Introducing Swinney, McAllan praised his “acute sense of duty “and added he was “a steadfast loyal and unstinting advocate of the interest of Scotland”.

Swinney and Forbes held talks on Tuesday about the leadership contest 24 hours after Humza Yousaf announced his decision to resign.