Scotland’s First Minister says he won’t stand down
SCOTLAND’S under-fire First Minister has insisted he will not resign, despite facing a vote of no confidence in his leadership.
The Scottish Conservatives have put forward the motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf as First Minister, while Labour has submitted a similar motion, saying the party has no confidence in the Scottish Government.
However, during a visit to Dundee yesterday that was arranged at short notice after he pulled out of a speech in Glasgow, Mr Yousaf insisted he will seek to stay in post. Speaking to the gathered media, he said he will not stand down and intends to fight the vote of no confidence in him.
Asked whether he intends to resign, Mr Yousaf said: “No, I fully intend to not just win that vote but I intend to fight to make sure that the Government continues to deliver on the priorities of the people. Like, for example, investing in affordable housing.”
He accused the opposition parties of “political game playing”, and added: “We’ll be getting on with the job, and when the vote comes I fully intend to win.”
Asked if he would work with Alba Party Holyrood leader Ash Regan – whose vote could potentially be critical to his survival – the First Minister said he will be writing to all leaders, inviting them to a meeting in an attempt to “make minority government work”.
His comments came as he battles for his political survival after terminating the powersharing deal the SNP had with the Scottish Greens at Holyrood for almost three years.
Ms Regan, meanwhile, has written to the First Minister, making clear her demands if she is to support him.
The former SNP minister, who defected to Alex Salmond’s party, said she wants to see progress on
Scottish independence and defending “the rights of women and children”.
Meanwhile, Scottish Labour sought to put further pressure on the SNP by lodging a no confidence motion in the entire Scottish Government, rather than just Mr Yousaf.
If passed, this could lead to a Scottish Parliament election.
Labour leader Anas Sarwar said: “It’s a matter now of when, not if, Humza Yousaf will step down as First Minister.
“It would be untenable for the SNP to assume it can impose another unelected first minister on Scotland.”
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross confirmed on Times Radio he will back the Labour motion, saying: “I’ll support that because I want to get rid of the Scottish Government.”
Mr Yousaf’s former allies in the Scottish Greens have vowed to vote against him in the motion of no confidence.
A tight vote is expected at Holyrood next week, and since the SNP has 63 out of the 128 MSPs, Ms Regan’s vote would appear to be crucial in getting Mr Yousaf over the line.
SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn told BBC Radio Scotland yesterday: “Humza Yousaf is a man of profound integrity. I had a conversation with Humza last night.
“He was reflective, but he was also very clear to me that he’s going to come out fighting because he believes in what he says.
“He believes in delivering for the people for Scotland. He believes in creating jobs and opportunities for the next generation.”
Mr Flynn also said he expects Mr
Yousaf to win the confidence vote and continue as party leader and First Minister.
Speaking to Radio 4 later, Mr Flynn suggested he would not stand to be SNP leader if Mr Yousaf was to resign.
Ms Regan, a former Scottish Government minister, posted a copy of her letter to Mr Yousaf on social media.
It said: “Independence for Scotland, protecting the dignity, safety and rights of women and children, and providing a competent government for our people and businesses across Scotland remain my priorities.
“My door is open to discussing the progress of my proposed Scottish Parliament Powers Referendum Bill.”
Ms Regan’s Bill would seek a referendum to ask the Scottish public if Holyrood should have the powers to negotiate and legislate for Scottish independence.