LONDON — Scotland’s former deputy first minister, John Swinney, was confirmed Monday as head of the Scottish National Party and is expected to become the country’s next leader, its third in just over a year.

Scotland's former deputy first minister, John Swinney, was confirmed Monday as head of the Scottish National Party and is expected to become the country's next leader, its third in just over a year. Swinney,

The Scottish government will declare a national housing emergency later. The announcement will come from the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville during a Labour-led debate at Holyrood. Ms Somerville is expected to blame UK government austerity and Brexit for the decision.

SNP ministers have declared a “housing emergency” in Scotland after cutting their affordable homes budget by a quarter as rent controls introduced by Nicola Sturgeon backfired. Shirley-Anne Somerville,

EXCLUSIVE: Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville has confirmed the Swinney Government's new position.