| During the first term of the Scottish Parliament, Sturgeon served as a member of the Shadow Cabinets of both Alex Salmond and John Swinney. |
| Having been a loyal deputy to John Swinney throughout his troubled leadership, she was the first candidate to declare for his job when he resigned. |
| John Swinney took shelter behind a rain barrel yesterday when the bullets started flying. |
| Last year Swinney, who has faced constant sniping about his leadership credentials from some sections within the party, faced down a challenge by Glasgow activist Bill Wilson. |
| The promoter of the contest, NPC Maryland district chairman Todd Swinney, brought in Shawn Ray to emcee the event. |
| Swinney announced his resignation on 22 June 2004 to become Convener of the Scottish Parliament's European and External Relations Committee. |
