Scotland's new First Minister John Swinney stands on the steps of Bute House with his wife, Elizabeth Quigley, on May 7, 2024, in Edinburgh, Scotland. (Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images/TNS) EDINBURGH, Scotland - Scotland's devolved parliament voted to demand the U.K. government hand over the power to hold a fresh independence referendum as First Minister John Swinney seeks to build on a recent election win and take advantage of political turmoil in London.