North and north-east reacts to end of SNP-Green power-sharing deal

The SNP-Green power-sharing pact was particularly tense in areas like the north and north-east, where the future of oil and proposed fishing bans sparked anger.

While Mr Yousaf tries to shore up his position, here are the big questions he faces, from promises on the A96 to the future of oil – and his own position in power.

How are local commentators reacting?

Fergus Mutch, the SNP’s former media chief, who lives in the northeast and was a former candidate in the region, was among those to welcome the move.

He said the first minister needs to “use the opportunity for a reset – on policy, personnel and purpose – and try to get the SNP back on the front foot after a torrid time”.

Geoff Aberdein, who was Alex Salmond’s chief of staff, working in a minority government from 2007, said Mr Yousaf needs to focus on “issues that carry favour”.

He said: “Focus on job creation. Focus on health. Focus on education. Forget the rest of it. This is the start of your election campaign and the start of a period that will determine whether First Minister Humza Yousaf will remain, indeed, as first minister.”

Will A96 be dualled now?

SNP activists in the north-east were already contemplating whether ditching the deal could smooth the path for full dualling of the A96 between Aberdeen and Inverness.

When the SNP and Greens entered the agreement in summer 2021, it was agreed the long promised project would be paused while a climate review was carried out.

The scheme was top of the list of calls within moments of the collapsed coalition with The P&J asking Mr Yousaf about it directly during yesterday’s press conference.

But the SNP leader is standing by the climate review despite losing the Greens from his government.

Asked if that means the road can now be built, Mr Yousaf told The P&J it remains an important consideration.

But he said “watch this space” about a review of government plans in the coming weeks.

What does it mean for party’s oil and gas policy?

There has been a softening in tone on the move away from oil and gas since Mr Yousaf took over from Nicola Sturgeon.

Clearly in election mode, he has noticed the fury that surrounded Labour’s oil and gas windfall plans and around the Tories’ decision to extend the levy for an extra year.

It prompted a trip to Aberdeen in February – the oil and gas capital of Europe – to set out his party’s plan to maintain the tax at current levels.

The Scottish Government’s draft energy strategy proposes a presumption against new oil and gas licences and it’s hard to imagine any notable shift from this.

But while the oil and gas industry might welcome less hostility towards the sector, climate campaigners have concerns over the consequences.

Lauren MacDonald, a Scottish climate campaigner from the Stop Rosebank campaign, warned the government must “not now be tempted to side with the profiteering oil and gas giants who will no doubt be celebrating the removal of the Greens from government”.

Are SNP figures like Stephen Flynn feeling relieved as election looms?

SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Aberdeen South MP, posting on X yesterday, gave his emphatic approval of the decision which he said had “shown leadership in the national interest”.