Mr Yousaf had been facing no confidence votes at Holyrood – but on Monday announced instead that he would be stepping down as First Minister.
Humza Yousaf’s announcement that he is stepping down leaves the SNP hunting for a new leader for the second time in just over a year
Facing two votes of no confidence at Holyrood, and without the support of the Greens whom he had angered when he terminated the powersharing agreement between the two parties, Mr Yousaf came to the conclusion his time was up. That comes just 13 months after he took over the post from Nicola Sturgeon – who had been Scotland’s longest serving first minister.John Swinney, a former SNP leader who also served for more than eight years as deputy first minister under Ms Sturgeon, has already said he is giving “very careful consideration” to running after receiving “many, many messages” from colleagues in the party who want him to stand.
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Wishart said: “John Swinney would be an excellent unifier for our country and our party. We should all get behind him if he chooses to run.”Meanwhile, Scottish Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth, who had been suggested as a possible successor to Mr Yousaf, said: “John Swinney is the best choice to be Scotland’s First Minister & @theSNP leader.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Humza Yousaf hits back as Tory MSP claims police 'captured by SNP'THE First Minister has hit back at a Tory MSP who accused Police Scotland of “political bias” for recording a hate incident after he likened…
Read more »
Humza Yousaf welcomes conclusion to SNP finances investigationHumza Yousaf expresses his desire for the investigation into SNP finances to come to a close as the first anniversary of Peter Murrell's arrest approaches.
Read more »
SNP ministers did not order removal of ferry company bosses, says Humza YousafThe First Minister also said he wants all agencies involved to have a “laser-like focus” on delivering for island communities.
Read more »
Humza Yousaf defends green freeports after SNP members' concernsHUMZA Yousaf has defended Scotland’s green freeports amid criticism from within his own party ...
Read more »
Humza Yousaf confident in SNP candidates as party celebrates 90th birthdayHumza Yousaf expresses confidence in his general election candidates as the SNP marks its 90th birthday. He emphasizes the need for Scottish independence and criticizes Labour's lack of candidates in Conservative seats.
Read more »
Humza Yousaf reveals his ‘one wish’ for SNP’s 90th birthdayHUMZA YOUSAF has revealed his “one wish” for the SNP’s 90th birthday today – and coincidentally, his own...
Read more »