Humza Yousaf has resigned as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and as Scottish First Minister.
The move comes shortly after Yousaf ended the ruling coalition between the SNP and the Scottish Greens. This triggered two votes of no confidence proposed by opposition parties which Yousaf seemed likely to lose.
“I am not willing to exchange my values and principles or make deals with anyone just to retain power,” Yousaf said in a televised announcement.
The fortunes of the pro-independence SNP have faltered due to a funding scandal and the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon as party leader last year. An internal struggle has ensued over how the party should present its progressive policies as it seeks to win back voters.
This month, Yousaf said he was “fairly confident” in his ability to win a vote of no confidence. However, on Monday his proposal for talks with other parties to strengthen his minority government appeared in doubt.
This is a developing story. More soon …
