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SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon was returned as Scotland’s First Minister today following the Holyrood election as pressure increases on her to sack her Education Secretary John Swinney.
Ms Sturgeon was selected by MSPs to lead the Scottish government in a vote this afternoon, despite impotent challenges from Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross and Willie Rennie of the Lib Dems.
The vote, overseen by new presiding officer Alison Johnstone, saw Green and Labour MSPs abstaining to allow the SNP leader to resume the position.
Ms Sturgeon’s selection to lead the government comes ahead of the unveiling of a new cabinet, with the SNP yet to select ministers to lead the new administration.
Ahead of the reshuffle, Scottish Labour said that Mr Swinney must be removed from his position as education secretary, criticising the MSP’s “litany of failures” in the job.
Labour says the SNP has failed to close the attainment gap, maintain Scotland’s educational ranking or manage the impact of the pandemic fairly and efficiently for pupils and teachers.
Ms Sturgeon has been told that Mr Swinney must now be removed to ensure there is no repeat of last year’s exam crisis.
Scottish Labour education spokesman Michael Marra, said: "Crucially, John Swinney has lost the confidence of staff across all parts of the sector.
“He cannot be the person to turn the situation around, and the First Minister should act now. We can only hope a new minister can stop the rot.
“The First Minister said that improving education in Scotland was her defining mission.
“If she wants to avoid another five years of drift and decline, then she must appoint a fresh education secretary.”
The SNP was approached for comment.
