AN opposition attempt to see John Swinney removed from his role has failed, with MSPs rejecting a no-confidence vote.
Parliamentarians voted 65-57 against the motion, which was brought forward by the Scottish Tories.
The vote was tabled in an effort to push the deputy first minister into publishing advice given to the Scottish Government during the judicial review brought by Alex Salmond.
The Conservatives decided to push ahead with the vote despite "key" documents being released, claiming the disclosure was not enough and some information was still missing.
The Tories united with Labour and LibDems against the Deputy First Minister.
But the support of Scottish Green MSPs meant the challenge to him was ultimately unsuccessful.
READ MORE: John Swinney refutes 'entirely baseless' claims as he faces no-confidence vote
Taking the unusual step of defending himself during the debate, Swinney said: "On any fair interpretation of what the Government has done, the Tories' pursuit of this motion today is now entirely baseless.
"With an election only weeks away, the reality I suspect is that [the Tories] were always intent on pushing this motion to a vote, regardless of what action the Government had taken."
The Education Secretary stated the Scottish Government has now released "all of the formal written advice notes received from external counsel", as well as emails and other documents. He said minutes of meetings requested by the committee simply do not exist.
The SNP minister explained what has been released "paints a clear picture, warts and all – no embarrassment for the Government is spared on the publication of these documents".
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross commented: "John Swinney has survived but honest John is no more.
"He has shamefully shut down the scrutiny that this inquiry was meant to provide."
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