Humza Yousaf has resigned as Scotland’s first minister after cutting ties with his government’s power-sharing partners.
The leader of the SNP, who only took on the role in March last year, has been at the centre of a chaotic few days in Holyrood after he made the surprise announcement to end his power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party on Thursday.
Mr Yousaf said the decision – following a bitter row over the SNP’s climbdown on climate targets – showed “leadership” as the agreement between the parties had “served its purpose”.
But as a result, his former Green allies teamed up with the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats to get behind two no-confidence motions, one in himself as leader of Scotland and another regarding the entire Scottish government.
Ahead of any of those votes taking place, Mr Yousaf has now stepped down as Scotland’s first minister.
He said he will remain in post until a replacement first minister is chosen.
Over the weekend, Mr Yousaf insisted he would not resign but by Monday morning his tune had changed and Sky News was told he was considering resigning.
Announcing he was stepping down, Mr Yousaf said he “clearly underestimated the level of heart and upset” he caused the Greens when he cut ties with them.
“To my colleagues in opposition, regardless of political party, genuinely, I bear no ill will and certainly no grudge against anyone,” he said as his voice broke while thanking his wife, children and family for “putting up with me over the years”.
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