Swinney and Starmer pay Biden tribute after US president pulls out of re-election bid

dailyrecord.co.uk:

John Swinney and Sir Keir Starmer have paid tribute to Joe Biden after the US President withdrew from his re-election bid. Mr Biden announced the move on Sunday following mounting pressure on the 81-year-old to step aside amid concerns for his health.The Democratic leader said the decision "is in the best interest of my party and the country" – but will stay on for the final six months of his term.

He then went on to endorse Kamala Harris, the current vice-president, to be the new Democratic nominee.Responding to his decision to pull out of the US presidential race, First Minister John Swinney said: "Joe Biden has served the people of the USA with devotion and total commitment."Now, in a typically selfless act, he steps aside to do what he thinks is right for his people."He came to Scotland for COP26 and made a powerful contribution.

He has our best wishes for the future."Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “I respect President Biden’s decision and I look forward to us working together during the remainder of his presidency.

I know that, as he has done throughout his remarkable career, President Biden will have made his decision based on what he believes is in the best interests of the American people."It comes four months before Americans go to the polls on November 5.