JOHN Swinney is to stand down as a minister following the SNP's leadership election. 

In a letter to Nicola Sturgeon posted on Twitter, Swinney described serving in government since 2007 as "the privilege of my life". 

However, he added that when a new first minister is elected later this month he will step down as Deputy First Minister - a role he has held since 2014 - and serve as an MSP from the back benches. 

He wrote: "It has been the privilege of my life to serve in the Scottish Government since 2007 as a Cabinet Secretary with responsibility first for Finance and the Economy, then Education and Skills and finally Covid recovery.

"It has been an honour to serve Scotland as your Deputy First Minister since 2014. 

"When I joined the Scottish National Party at the age of 15 in 1979, our political prospects were poor and I could scarcely have imagined that over so many years I would have the opportunity to serve Scotland in government in the way I have.

"In all that I have undertaken in government, I have tried to listen carefully to different views and be open to the ideas and thoughts of people in Scotland. I have sought always to transform the life chances of everyone who lives here. I have acted to make Scotland a fairer, more prosperous and more confident country that I believe would be assured with Independence."

He added: "These have been demanding commitments to fulfil over nearly 16 years and I have decided that, when the First Minister is appointed later in March, I will stand down from Government.

"I will continue to faithfully represent my constituents in Perthshire North and look forward to sitting with you on the backbenches of the Scottish Parliament to continue our contribution to Scotland's cause." 

In her reply, Nicola Sturgeon said she "could not have wished for a better partner in government." 

She said: "Your contribution to our nation, almost 16 years in government is considerable, indeed unique. Therefore, while I - perhaps more than most - completely understand your decision, I still felt a real sense of sadness when you told me of it.

"Over almost 16 years in government, more than eight years as Deputy First Minister – indeed, the longest serving Deputy First Minister so far – you have made countless contributions to the good of our people and our country.

"In short, I could not have wished for a better partner in government than you, and there is no doubt that our Scottish Government would have achieved much less had you not been in it.

"Please accept my thanks for your support, wisdom and, above all, friendship as together with Ministers past and present, we sought to make Scotland a better place. As I said when I announced my own departure from office, serving as First Minister has been the privilege of my life - having done so with you by my side as Deputy First Minister has been an honour.

"As for the future, I know you will continue to serve Scotland well and that you will be, as you always have been, a source of good advice and wise counsel to our party, government and movement. I look forward to this new phase - for both of us - as we move to the backbenches and make way for the new generation who will now lead Scotland forward."