Even scraping through may not save Yousaf

The political cost to the First Minister, even if there is an agreement with Alex Salmond’s Alba, may be too high

With the furious Greens seemingly ruling out any change of heart to support First Minister Humza Yousaf in a confidence vote, his survival may well come down to a deal with Alba.

This quite extraordinary position, the result of completely selfinflicted chaos, will be difficult, if not impossible, to swallow for many in the SNP.

That former First Minister Alex Salmond, who leads the Alba party, could play such a key role is a twist which no-one saw coming a week ago.

Mr Salmond was revelling in the spotlight yesterday as some prominent SNP figures warned against any concessions to their former leader.

Of Ms Regan, Mr Salmond said: “She’s found herself in a highly influential position. I think Scotland are lucky that it’s somebody like Ash Regan who’s in that position.”

His demands for the Alba vote centre on independence strategy and women’s rights.

Reports of an electoral pact at forthcoming elections were, said Mr Salmond, wide of the mark. But the political cost to Mr Yousaf, even if there is agreement, may be too high.

Surviving a confidence vote on the casting ballot of the presiding officer would leave him severely wounded as he attempted to run a minority government.

With at least one election to fight this year, his position as First Minister would be increasingly precarious whether he survives the week or not.

Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross is in no doubt: “Even if he survives, it is on a tied vote with the Presiding Officer voting for the status quo.

“That is not holding the confidence of the entire Scottish Parliament.

“Even if he scrapes through with the support of Alex Salmond, ultimately he’s finished anyway.”

And events in Westminster could also play a role. Rishi Sunak is under increasing pressure ahead of the local elections on Thursday, with mounting speculation that a summer General Election may be on the cards.

We are set for a fascinating seven days in Scottish politics.