John Swinney has said the 4 July date for the UK general election was earlier than expected but welcome. The announcement comes shortly after the new SNP leader took over from Hamza Yousaf. Swinney added that arranging elections during the Scottish school summer holidays was an act of disrespect. Swinney told reporters: "There will be schools in Scotland on holiday by the time polling day comes and that will not have been given a moment"s thought by the Tory election planners. It shows the contempt the Tories have for Scotland" Rishi Sunak takes gamble by calling UK general election for 4 July UK’s summer election: what effect will the timing have on voters? General election 2024: Rishi Sunak calls vote for 4 July – UK politics live