Swinney to confirm bid to be Scotland's next first minister

Summary

1. John Swinney is to launch his campaign to become SNP leader and first minister later
2. The former deputy FM will be the first person to officially enter the race for the leadership of the SNP
3. Kate Forbes is due to announce her decision this afternoon
4. The pair have held "informal talks" about the party leadership, according to a spokesman for Forbes
5. Former finance secretary Forbes is yet to declare but has said she "is not ruling anything out"
6. Nominations for the role of SNP leader close on Monday