Humza Yousaf resigns as Scotland's First Minister after power-sharing deal fails

Media reports earlier claimed that Humza Yousaf was set to submit his resignation

By
Web Desk
Scotlands First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh, Britain, April 29, 2024. — Reuters
Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh, Britain, April 29, 2024. — Reuters
  • Media reports earlier claimed about his resignation.
  • Yousaf pays an emotional tribute to his family.
  • I'm afraid you'll be seeing lot more of me from now, he says.

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf stepped down from his position amid facing a no-confidence motion Monday as the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) after the collapse of his power-sharing agreement with the country’s Green Party, according to BBC.  

Media reports earlier claimed that he was set to submit his resignation as legislators decided to move forward to dethrone the 39-year-old.

During the resignation speech, he paid an emotional tribute to his family saying: "I am in absolute debt to my wonderful wife, my beautiful children and my wider family for putting up with me over the years."

He also joked: "I'm afraid you'll be seeing a lot more of me from now, You are truly everything to me."

The SNP chief said he had "underestimated the level of hurt after ending a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens last week, however, he said would be holding the position until a replacement is found. 

He urged other parties to act in "good faith" and not just "oppose for opposition's sake", which according to him is vital for having a functioning government under Scotland's political system.

Yousaf wished MSPs from other parties well and acknowledged that politics is a "brutal business" which takes a toll on people from all sides of Scotland's divides.

He also called SNP a "family", adding "I will always be with you, campaign alongside you."

At the conclusion of his speech Monday, Yousaf said that he was so grateful and so blessed to have had the opportunity that so few get — to lead his country.

"Who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland?" he asked proudly before ending his speech.

The leader expected to face a vote of no-confidence this week. Yousaf has been serving as Scotland's first minister since March 2023. 

He was facing two no-confidence votes at Holyrood after he decided to withdraw from a coalition agreement and try to run a minority government.

Yousaf sacked the Scottish Greens who have now joined hands with the opposition to oust him.

MP Neale Hanvey, who is Alba Party's Westminster leader, told Sky News that Yousaf's "hand is being forced from within the SNP".

"It seems that the internal manoeuvrings within the SNP have made it impossible for the First Minister to continue," he said.