swinney

It is not so long ago that John Swinney challenged the UK government to give the go ahead for the Acorn carbon capture and storage project and to reactivate the promise of investment in an Edinburgh supercomputer.

Only yesterday, Mr Swinney called for new spending to build more social and affordable housing.

Swinney later denied his "two horse race" comment was an attempt to eat into Labour's vote by spotlighting Reform.

Swinney also told the programme he believed Reform voters were motivated by anger at the cost of living.

Swinney also said he would focus on improving public services - such as cutting waiting times for GPs - and mitigating the cost of living crisis before the 2026 Holyrood election.