John Swinney is “confident” he will win a vote to be elected as first minister on Tuesday.
The SNP was returned as the largest party at Holyrood in this month’s election, winning 58 seats, but falling short of the 65-seat majority Mr Swinney sought.
With the election of the First Minister looming, however, the SNP leader said he thought he would be able to continue in the role.
Speaking to the Press Association during a visit to a construction site in Glasgow on Monday, the First Minister said: “The people of Scotland were crystal clear in the election – they want the SNP to lead the government.
“We were elected with 58 members of the Scottish Parliament, we’ve got a commanding lead over the other parties, and I look forward to putting forward my candidacy to be first minister tomorrow and to take forward a government that will serve the people of Scotland.”
He added: “I’m confident that I can win the vote tomorrow and to make sure that I continue to lead a government that will deliver for the people of Scotland.”
The second placed parties – both Reform UK and Labour – have 17 seats, while the 15-strong Scottish Green contingent provide a pro-independence majority.
The potentially multi-round election process is due for Tuesday afternoon, with the winning candidate likely to be sworn in at the Court of Session on Wednesday and appoint a cabinet that afternoon.
Thursday will be taken up by the vote to confirm the appointment of ministers, with the inaugural First Minister’s Questions session of the parliamentary term due to take place next week.
Scottish Green co-leader Gillian Mackay urged the First Minister to fulfil his promise to hold a vote on a new independence referendum on the first day of Holyrood after the appointment of the Government.
“Scotland has voted for a pro-independence majority, and that mandate does not belong to one party alone,” she said.
“Every Green vote was a legitimate vote for independence, for Scotland’s right to choose and for a future where decisions about Scotland are made here, not imposed by Westminster.
“Scotland voted for a pro-independence majority, and that must be respected.
“For too long, Westminster governments have ignored Scotland’s democratic voice. John Swinney must not do the same.
“If John Swinney is elected first minister on Tuesday, then his new government must bring forward the promised parliamentary debate and vote on Scotland’s right to choose at the first available opportunity.”
