Humza Yousaf, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and Scotland’s first minister, has made a shocking decision to resign from his position. This move comes after Yousaf ended the SNP’s alliance with the Scottish Greens, which triggered two no-confidence votes put forward by opposition parties that Yousaf looked likely to lose.
In a televised announcement, Yousaf explained that he was not willing to compromise his values and principles or make deals with anyone simply to retain power.
A Turbulent Tenure
Humza Yousaf’s resignation marks the end of a tumultuous year in Scottish politics. The SNP, which has been a strong advocate for Scottish independence, has faced numerous challenges in recent times.
The party’s fortunes have faltered amid a funding scandal and the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as party leader last year. An internal struggle has followed over how progressive the party should pitch its policies as it seeks to woo back voters.
Yousaf, who became the leader of the SNP in March 2023, was hailed as a polished communicator who could unite the fractured party. However, his tenure was short-lived, and he faced significant opposition from other parties.
Earlier this month, Yousaf expressed confidence that he could win a no-confidence vote, but by Monday, his offer of talks with other parties to bolster his minority government was uncertain.
The Fallout from the Scottish Greens Alliance
The decision to end the SNP’s alliance with the Scottish Greens was a major factor in Yousaf’s resignation. The Muslim head of a major political party and Scotland’s youngest elected leader, Yousaf acknowledged that he had “underestimated” the level of hurt caused by his decision.
He concluded that repairing the relationship across the political divide could only be done with someone else at the helm.
A Search for a New Leader
Yousaf’s resignation as SNP leader triggers a search for his successor and consequently a new first minister. The Scottish Parliament would need to back any replacement in the post within 28 days.
If no majority is reached, an election would be held. During his resignation speech, Yousaf called for the leadership contest to find his replacement to start as soon as possible. He will remain in place as first minister until then.
A Historic Tenure
Glasgow-born Yousaf, whose paternal grandparents and father emigrated to Scotland from Pakistan in the 1960s, has made history as the first Muslim leader of a major political party in Scotland. He reflected on the significance of his tenure, noting that the UK’s Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s ethnic background is also South Asian.
“I could never have dreamt that one day, I would have the privilege of leading my country,” he said. “People who looked like me were not in positions of political influence, let alone leading governments, when I was younger.”
The Road Ahead
As Scotland searches for a new leader, the country is left to ponder the implications of Yousaf’s resignation. The SNP’s central policy of independence for Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom remains a contentious issue, and it remains to be seen how the party will navigate this challenge in the future.
