Welcome to the new First Minister
SNP MP FOR PERTH AND NORTH PERTHSHIRE
So after a tough, and at times, gruelling leadership contest Scotland has a new First Minister and I would like to offer my warmest congratulations to Humza Yousaf.
Humza has a wealth of experience in senior government roles, which I have no doubt he will draw upon to advance our party’s progressive agenda.
It is also a historic moment for Scotland, with Humza being the first leader from an ethnic minority background, and the first Muslim leader of any Western democracy.
Scotland is a proudly diverse country, and it is fantastic to see that being reflected at the very top of our government.
Humza takes over a party that has in recent years seen support for independence reach record levels and where we have convincingly won eight national elections on the trot, by margins that were a mere pipe dream for our opponents.
This is the first time we have held a leadership contest in about 20 years so a degree of anxiety among membership about the prospects for the party is natural.
But with the leadership contest now over, we must now use this change as an opportunity for us to regroup and solidify our strategy towards independence, whilst continuing to deliver for the people of Scotland at a time when so many are struggling.
Scotland is now up against a UK Government that is using increasingly hostile tactics to restrict our devolution and keep us firmly in their orbit.
This Easter we have seen the consequences of their Brexit with massive queues at Dover whilst their focus remains devoted to stopping wretched and desperate refugees securing asylum in the UK.
Against this backdrop, we too need to adapt our tactics and formulate a strategy that will prevail over their escalating contempt for Scottish democracy.
We have the opportunity to redefine our ambition for our nation and reaffirm the values we hold dear.
New leadership is a chance to do just that.
The people of Scotland have continually put their trust in us as the best party to lead our country for the last 15 years, for they have resonated with our vision for Scotland and have seen the difference we have made over that time.
Whether it be free tuition, free prescriptions, the baby box, the Scottish Child Payment, our commitment to tackling climate change or one of the many other examples. With a new government and a fresh commitment to making Scotland wealthier, healthier and happier I am confident that we will continue to build on this remarkable legacy.