SNP Westminster Leader backs Humza Yousaf to become next FM
Stephen Flynn says the Scottish Health Secretary can offer "hope" for Scotland
Last updated 11th Mar 2023
Stephen Flynn is backing Humza Yousaf to become the next First Minister.
The Westminster Leader says the Scottish Health Secretary's vision for the economy is something "he can buy into" and feels Yousaf will unite the wider independence movement.
Flynn joins other high profile members of the party, such as his predecessor Ian Blackford and Deputy Westminster Leader Mhairi Black, in supporting Yousaf.
SNP members will begin voting for their new leader on Monday, with the winner announced on March 27th.
Yousaf will 'unite party and independence movement' - Flynn
The Aberdeen South MP explained how he feels with the Conservatives in power at Westminster and during a cost of living crisis, Yousaf is the right person to lead Scotland.
He said: "We're in bad need of some hope, and I think Humza can offer that hope.
"He has a vision in relation to the economy which I can buy into.
"He wants to expand childcare which is a win win for parents and the economy.
"He wants to make sure we realise our green renewable potential, that we ensure Scotland has energy security, that we have long term jobs and we also meet our climate obligations.
"Perhaps most of all from an SNP point of view, I believe he can and will unite the party and wider independence movement going forward.
"I've obviously been paying close attention to the leadership race, I've been listening closely to what the three candidates have had to say.
"It's very much based upon on Humza's vision and the hope he can provide families across Scotland.
"He gets it and that's a big thing in politics, the ability to understand the challenges that people are facing."
During a televised debate earlier this week, fellow SNP leadership candidate and Government Minister Kate Forbes attacked Yousaf's ministerial record.
The Finance Secretary asked Yousaf: "You were transport minister and the trains were never on time, when you were justice secretary the police were stretched to breaking point, and now as health minister we've got record high waiting times.
"What makes you think you can do a better job as first minister?"
However, Flynn defended Yousaf's time in cabinet.
He added: "Our health service in Scotland is still performing better than any health service right across the UK.
"And of course, there has not been a single nurses strike in Scotland in stark comparison to anywhere else on these isles, so I think Humza's record stands up to scrutiny.
"It's a leadership hustings, you expect a wee bit of back and forth.
"Nobody is going to stand there and just agree on everything otherwise what's the point of the hustings in the first place.
"There's always going to be challenges on these things, but the important thing is what happens next and how we come together afterwards."