John Swinney: 'There is a great deal of strength in Scottish education'

John Swinney - Holyrood/David Anderson

Moving John Swinney, the Deputy First Minister, out of the finance role which he had performed for nine years and into education as Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills was a clear sign that the First Minister wants to see improvements. 

How does it feel getting that call to go and see the FM amid a reshuffle?

John Swinney: It is always an unsettling time but it is also exciting. There’s speculation beforehand which is never informed by any authoritative information because you are never sure of what lies ahead until the First Minister tells you. This year was a new experience for me, because in all previous reshuffles I have been told I was staying put!

You had previously said you didn’t want to move from the finance brief, what changed your mind?

The First Minister had made clear that closing the attainment gap and improving opportunities for young people would be the top priority of the government so I felt very privileged to be asked to take on the role of Education Secretary. I began to feel that after nine years as Finance Secretary I should take on a new challenge. It is also really important that new people are able to bring their own perspective on different portfolios, especially as we move into a new era in Scotland, with additional tax powers and the powers we are getting over welfare. 

Were you tempted to leave a note in a drawer saying ‘there is no money left’?

That infamous note has to go down as one of the most stupid ever left by anyone. I had to take many tough decisions on the public finances as part of my responsibility to balance the budget. Despite the pressure on our budget from UK cuts, I left the public finances in an orderly state. 

Is there any sense of unfinished business when you move portfolio and what advice did you offer to your successor?

I do not think it is a case of unfinished business as I held a long stint as Finance Secretary. There will inevitably be things that I have started that Derek will now look to finish, but given my role as Deputy First Minister, I will still be on hand to offer my support as he takes them forward. In terms of advice, I think Derek is quite capable to stamp his own authority on that brief, but of course, he knows where I am if he needs any support. 

The FM has really put education at the very heart of the next term, is that a challenge that fazes you?

No – it’s a challenge that inspires me. When the First Minister asked me to become the Cabinet Secretary for Education, I felt it was a great privilege and responsibility to be entrusted with the country’s education system and improve the life chances of our young people. 

What are the biggest challenges facing your brief?

The first thing to say is that there is a great deal of strength in Scottish education. The recent exam results showed another fantastic batch of results for our school pupils and a record number of our young people being accepted to go to university. Our higher education sector remains world-renowned and our colleges are now finding increasing success in delivering the education we need to help people into the workforce.

But there are areas we want to improve and central to that will be closing the attainment gap that still persists in Scotland. The First Minister has made that the government’s priority and we have already taken a series of actions that will see that gap closed substantially within the next five years. There is more to do, of course, but I am absolutely determined that we will deliver the improvements that are so needed in this area.

What was your favourite subject at school?

I always loved history and also studied that for a period at Edinburgh University. But I gradually became more and more captivated by politics and really enjoyed Modern Studies.

What is the brief you would have least liked?

That’s a very unfair question! The changes the First Minister made to her ministerial team and to the portfolios they are taking forward are all focused on making life better, fairer and more prosperous for people in Scotland. I would have been delighted to undertake any assignment the First Minister had asked me to.