John Swinney: ‘I wish my mum had still been alive to see me become first minister’

The past year has been a fairly exciting one for John Swinney, who became Scotland’s first minister in May, a role he described as a “tremendous honour”.

But what else did 2024 have in store for the politician, and what hopes does he have for 2025?

From making progress on climate change to buying a last-minute Christmas tree, as part of our My Big Year series, here are John Swinney’s highlights of the past year.

 BIG ISSUE: What has been the standout moment of 2024?

JOHN SWINNEY: Being chosen to serve as first minister of Scotland. It is a tremendous honour and I will give the role all that I have in me.  

Are you more or less hopeful than at the start of 2024?

More hopeful. The best part of my job is getting to meet people from all walks of life who are working hard to improve our world. Their passion, enthusiasm and dedication gives me hope for the future.  

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What do you think the world got right this year?

Both in Scotland and abroad we continue to see positive action on climate change. We are definitely making progress, but we need to be more decisive in our efforts to decarbonise.  

What do you think the world got wrong this year?

Millions across the globe continue to live in fear as conflicts rage. The world did not do enough to stop the suffering in Gaza and did not do enough to support Ukraine to repel Russia. 

What is your cultural highlight of 2024 – book, film, podcast, TV show, live event, radio moment?

The theatre production of The Outrun by Amy Liptrot. It was a powerful performance about the damaging effects of addiction and poor mental wellbeing, but also the hopefulness of recovery through nature, community and love. 

• First minister John Swinney: ‘Eradicating child poverty is the best thing I can do for Scotland’
• John Swinney on poverty, independence and wanting Scotland to be the best place in the world to grow up

What would your browsing history say about you this year?

I need to remind myself of things I can’t quite get to the front of my mind. 

What’s your biggest failure this year?

I failed to hold onto the slightly quieter life I had before becoming first minister. 

What’s the one conversation you wish you were able to have in 2024?

I wish my mum had still been alive to see me become first minister and to chat about what it is like. 

What is the most odd family  Christmas tradition you keep?

We buy our Christmas tree at the very last minute. It started off as something we just did because time was always under pressure but it has become a bit of a tradition. 

What’s your big issue for 2025?

Eradicating child poverty. 

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