NICOLA Sturgeon has led tributes to deputy first minister John Swinney on the 25th anniversary of his first election win.
The 58-year-old was elected as an MP for Tayside North at the 1997 General Election, when Tony Blair led the Labour Party to a landslide majority.
Swinney was elected to represent the same area in 1999 for the Scottish Parliament and later stood down from his role in Westminster at the 2001 General Election to avoid splitting his time.
Swinney has been constituency MSP for Perthshire North since 2011.
Noting the anniversary, Swinney shared a throwback snap from the 1997 count on Twitter adding: “25 years ago today I was first elected to Parliament.
“I am deeply indebted to the people of Angus and Perthshire who have given me the privilege to serve them since and I express my thanks for their kindness and support.
“Pic from 97 count with my dear friend @strathearnrose [Roseanna Cunningham].”
25 years ago today I was first elected to Parliament. I am deeply indebted to the people of Angus and Perthshire who have given me the privilege to serve them since and I express my thanks for their kindness and support. Pic from 97 count with my dear friend @strathearnrose. pic.twitter.com/DTbNoFv2JJ
— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) May 1, 2022
Retweeting Swiney, the First Minister wrote: “The nicest, kindest guy in politics. I couldn’t wish for a better Deputy First Minister and I’m proud to call him a friend. Congrats on this milestone.”
Other SNP politicians and members also paid tribute to Swinney’s lengthy public service.
Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson filmed a 46-second video which he shared on social media.
In the clip he said: “I’m taking the opportunity to wish everybody in North Tayside SNP and John Swinney a happy anniversary. A quarter of a century - hard to imagine John Swinney as an MP and an MSP. John as you know is an absolute legend in Scotland’s national movement.”
Fellow MSP Jim Fairlie said: “This kind of career can only be achieved with a level of dedication and ability of the highest order. Huge congratulations to a fantastic public servant with a heart the size of a lion and someone I’m delighted to call a friend.”
SNP president Michael Russel wrote: “Remember it well - you have been a great representative and worked tirelessly for your constituents and for Scotland.”
Today is the 25th anniversary of @JohnSwinney’s election as MP for Tayside North. His public service to his constituents and Scotland over the last quarter of a century is immense. Congrats and thanks John! pic.twitter.com/6mUoRKh5MR
— Angus Robertson (@AngusRobertson) May 1, 2022
MSP Kevin Stewart added: “John is a fantastic public servant, who always puts people first. We are so lucky to have him as our Deputy First Minister.”
Public health minister Maree Todd said: “Kind, ethical, wise and with a work rate that makes you wonder if he gets more hours in the day than the rest of us - we’re lucky to have him!”
Swinney was education secretary for five years until 2021, moving on after seeing off two votes of no confidence in the Scottish Parliament.
He was given the brief as Covid Recovery Secretary alongside his role as deputy first minister, and frequently stands in for Sturgeon in the chamber, as he did during COP26.
