FM dismisses Alba Electoral pact with Salmond as "fantasy"

Humza Yousaf's spokesperson has dismissed as "fantasy" the idea the First Minister would agree an electoral pact with the Alba Party to gain its support ahead of upcoming no-confidence votes.

Mr Yousaf is attempting to build bridges with the other party leaders at Holyrood as he fights for his political future, inviting them to talks at his official residence.

The Alba Party leader, Scotland's former first minister Alex Salmond, said a "top line" of any discussion with Mr Yousaf would be the idea of reviving the Scotland United strategy - which would see a single pro-independence candidate stand in each Scottish constituency.

The Alba Party MSP whose vote could be crucial to Humza Yousaf's future says it is time to "build relationships" but the price of her support will be higher as the First Minister "dithers".

Ash Regan has not yet confirmed how she will vote in the looming motions of no confidence at Holyrood, expected to take place in the coming week.

The SNP leader has written to the other parties in an attempt to build bridges and establish how they can work with his minority government, inviting the other leaders to meetings at his official residence.

Mr Yousaf terminated the powersharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens on Thursday, leading the smaller pro-independence party to announce they would back the motion of no confidence in his leadership.

The tight parliamentary arithmetic at the Scottish Parliament, where the SNP have 63 out of 128 voting MSPs, means Ms Regan's support may be needed to get Mr Yousaf over the line.

Mr Yousaf's spokesperson has dismissed as "fantasy" the idea the First Minister would agree an electoral pact with the Alba Party to gain its support ahead of the no-confidence votes.

Ms Regan, who defected from the SNP to Alex Salmond'sAlba Party last year, wrote a column in the Sunday Mail saying it is time to "build relationships".

She said: "I could be holding the vote that decides his future but I will only use it in the way that will be best for Scotland.

"Many would like to see an end to Humza's chaotic leadership and doubts remain whether he has the political skills required to run a minority government.

"The Green Party's malign influence over these last three years damaged confidence and I welcome their consignment to the back benches.

"But, if Humza is ousted, he may be replaced by a less able leader who will go back into power with the Greens.

"As Humza dithers and the demands for him to go become deafening, the higher my price will be to support him."

She added: "His rhetoric of 'fighting' is not required just now; it is a time for building relationships and negotiating what is best for Scotland.

"Whatever my decision, I take this responsibility seriously."