Humza Yousaf has announced he is resigning as First Minister of Scotland after his decision to scrap the SNP’s coalition deal with the Scottish Greens caused his leadership to unravel.
Delivering a statement at Bute House in Edinburgh, an emotional Mr Yousaf said he will continue in the role until his successor as leader of the SNP has been chosen.
He said: “While a route through this week’s motion of no confidence was absolutely possible, I am not willing to trade my values and principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power.
“Therefore, after spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party, for the government and for the country I lead I have concluded that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.
“I have therefore informed the SNP’s national secretary of my intention to stand down as party leader and ask that she commences a leadership contest for my replacement as soon as possible.”
Mr Yousaf fought back tears as he thanked his family for their support. Ending his resignation statement, he said: “I am sad that my time as First Minister is ending, but I am so grateful, I am so blessed, for having the opportunity that are afforded to so few to lead my country and who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland.”
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