I will not back Swinney as FM but could support his budgets, says Lib Dem leader

Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton launched his party’s manifesto at the Edinburgh Food and Drink Academy on Friday (Mike Boyd/PA) - (PA Wire)

The Scottish Liberal Democrats would not support John Swinney to return as first minister, but could back an SNP-led government’s budget, the party’s leader has said.

The Lib Dems have backed the Scottish Government’s budget plans in recent years, in exchange for concessions including an increase in mental health spending.