Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s inaugural minister and head of the Scottish National Party (SNP), announced his resignation on Monday. Mr Yousaf committed to standing in his position until a suitable successor emerges, ensuring a seamless transition, relayed during an announcement in his official Bute House residence.
In part, his decision came from the escalating turmoil created when he ended the government ties with the Scottish Greens the previous Thursday. The termination lead to outrage among the Greens, who later declared their endorsement of a no-confidence vote in Mr Yousaf’s leadership, brought forward by Scottish Conservatives.
Without the Greens’ backup and the SNP falling short of a majority by two votes, Mr Yousaf’s leadership relied on the vote of Ash Regan, a former SNP member who joined Alex Salmond’s Alba party last year. Regan’s movement was in response to a stall in independence progression and the Scottish government’s perspective on gender recognition alterations.
Having the distinction of being Scotland’s first leader of Asian and Muslim legacy, Mr Yousaf halted the Bute House agreement (forged by Nicola Sturgeon, his antecedent, in 2021). This deal had established a majority in favour of progression and independence in Holyrood. The termination came amidst growing internal criticism within the SNP regarding Green policy influence.
After reacting with anger to the cancellation of climate objectives, and a delay from NHS Scotland in issuing puberty inhibitors, the Scottish Greens had been contemplating a vote on the future of the agreement.
Since his appointment, Mr Yousaf’s journey was riddled with obstacles. These included an active criminal investigation into party financing that led to Nicola Sturgeon, his predecessor, and her husband Peter Murrell (ex-SNP chief executive) facing embezzlement charges.