Another example of government, Rishi Sunak in particular, using Teesside as prime example of ‘levelling up’ in action (even more significant to them now as Ben Houchen is last Conservative mayor standing) - though pointing to headline projects rather than underlying metrics

New: John Swinney to be next First Minister. After a vote of MSPs he is officially confirmed as Scottish parliament's nominee for First Minister, though that is a formality. Will become FM when he is sworn in at the Court of Session tomorrow.

First meeting of the new North East Combined Authority, after the election of mayor Kim McGuinness

On her first day in the job, she's told us she has already instructed officials 'to start the process of bringing buses back under public control'

.Humza Yousaf has officially tendered his resignation to the King. It's been accepted and Scottish Parliament told. Says: “Being First Minister of the country I love, the country I am raising my family in, and the only country I will ever call home has been a phenomenal honour

Breaking: John Swinney is the new snp snp leader. Only candidate in the end. Expected to become Scottish Government First Minister later this week, possibly tomorrow. Will have to be a Holyrood vote. SNP National Secretary, Lorna Finn confirmed Swinney's election. Speech later this afternoon

From former Teesside independent councillor ⤵️