Humza Yousaf resigns - live: Former SNP leader John Swinney mulls bid to become Scotland’s next first minister
Mr Yousaf’s resignation comes after the collapse of his power-sharing agreement with the Greens last week
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Former SNP leader John Swinney is considering becoming Scotland’s next first minister after Humza Yousaf quit the role in an emotional speech at midday.
Mr Swinney, 60, who led the party between 2000 and 2004 and stood down after Nicola Sturgeon’s resignation last year, said he was “actively considering” the role of Scottish first minister.
“I’ve been somewhat overwhelmed by the requests that have been made for me to do that, with many, many messages from many colleagues across the party. So I’m giving that issue very active consideration,” he told Sky News.
It comes after Yousaf announced he was stepping down during an address at Bute House, Edinburgh, just days before a vote on his leadership was expected.
As he choked up, the 39-year-old thanked his “wonderful” wife and “beautiful” children for supporting him throughout his time in office.
The SNP leader faced two no confidence votes scheduled by the Scottish Conservatives and Scottish Labour – which the Scottish Greens said they would join to oust him.
It came after the SNP’s power-sharing agreement with the Greens collapsed when Yousaf sacked them from his government on Thursday last week.
Humza Yousaf: A tenure as First Minister which was difficult from the start
Humza Yousaf: A tenure as First Minister which was difficult from the start
He took on the top job in Scottish politics in March 2023.
SNP leadership election: who are the runners and riders to replace Humza Yousaf
SNP leadership election: who are the runners and riders to replace Humza Yousaf
Whoever emerges as Humza Yousaf’s successor faces a frightful inheritance - The Independent looks at who the runners and riders are to replace him
What now for Scottish politics after Humza Yousaf’s resignation?
What now for Scottish politics after Humza Yousaf’s resignation?
The search begins for a new first minister of Scotland.
Who may succeed Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister?
Who may succeed Humza Yousaf as Scotland’s first minister?
With the First Minister’s leadership in turmoil, there are a number of possible replacements.
Humza Yousaf is gone – and Labour can’t believe its luck
Humza Yousaf is gone – and Labour can’t believe its luck | Andrew Grice
The Scottish first minister has resigned – and the SNP turmoil is the gift that keeps on giving for Keir Starmer, writes Andrew Grice. Labour now hopes to get as close to 40 per cent of the Scottish vote as possible
Watch: Humza Yousaf fights back tears as he announces SNP resignation
Douglas Ross claims Tories ‘forced Yousaf out of office'
The Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross claimed his party forced Yousaf out of office in a “humiliating defeat”.
“We have forced Humza Yousaf out of office for repeatedly failing Scotland. Faced with our vote of no confidence, the SNP leader has quit rather than face a humiliating defeat.
“We cannot forgive the damage he did to families and households across Scotland by raising taxes, letting NHS waiting lists spiral and attacking free speech.”
MSP John Swinney ‘terribly sorry’ Yousaf has stood down
SNP MSP and potential successor John Swinney has said he is “terribly sorry” Humza Yousaf had decided to step down as Scottish first minister.
Writing on X, he said: “I am terribly sorry that the first minster has decided to step down. Humza Yousaf has been a pioneer, the first person of colour to hold office as first minister.
“He has given principled and empathetic leadership to our country and has worked tirelessly to bring people together. I wish Humza, Nadia and their family well in all that lies ahead.”
Yousaf becomes emotional speaking about family
Former Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf became emotional towards the end of his resignation speech while talking about his family.
As his voice broke, Yousaf said about his time in office: “It takes its toll on your physical and mental health; your family suffer along side you.
“I am in absolute debt to my wonderful wife, my beautiful children and wider family for putting up with me over the years. I’m afraid you will be seeing a lot more of me from now.You are truly everything to me.”
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