Humza Yousaf appeals for unity in SNP leadership contest
The First Minister has been speaking for the first time since announcing his resignation.
Last updated 1st May 2024
Humza Yousaf is urging supporters of Kate Forbes and John Swinney to stop talking the would-be SNP leadership candidates down.
Speaking with our Political Editor at Holyrood, Mr Yousaf warned about the impact of more division within the party:
“I’ve heard claims of continuity candidate, establishment stitch ups and social conservative being bandied about.”
“My message to their supporters is that there is nothing wrong with talking up your candidate, John and Kate have admirable qualities and both of them would have the ability to do this job, but talking each other down is only going to benefit our opponents.”
Mr Yousaf has also been reflecting on the series of events leading to his resignation. He stands by the decision to end the Bute House Agreement with the Greens but regrets how he handled it:
“The fatal political mistake that I made, and I would say this as a lesson to other politicians, is we think too much through a political lens as opposed to a human lens. That’s when you begin to make mistakes and that’s ultimately my misjudgement”.
He had been facing a vote of no confidence in Holyrood and says there was an “easy deal” that would have seen him survive. However, he is rejecting claims made by Alex Salmond he was considering a deal with the Alba Party:
“I missed a call from Ash Regan at 7.30am on Monday and a message from her to call her back, which out of courtesy, I did. But I made it pretty clear why I wouldn’t do a deal with Alba. Let’s be frank, it wasn’t Ash Regan all over the news over the last few days, it was Alex Salmond all over the news.”
Humza Yousaf says he has no plans to return to cabinet under either John Swinney or Kate Forbes and has made no decision about standing in the 2026 Holyrood election. He is however, looking forward to getting back on the football pitch:
“Just when I became a minister is when I stopped playing 5-a-sides, I am looking forward to buying some Adidas Predators over the weekend and getting myself back to fitness for 5-a-sides.”