SNP MSPs pay tribute to Humza Yousaf’s ‘dignified and emotional’ resignation as First Minister
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Humza Yousaf has been praised for his “dignified and emotional” manner of his resignation at Bute House early this afternoon when he made plain that he would continue until a successor was chosen.
It has been a truly torrid month for the outgoing First Minister starting with a wave of criticism over the hate crime act, the lack of response to the Cass Report into gender identity services, and the failure to meet the 2030 climate targets.
And all that happened before he kicked the Greens out of government sparking a civil war among the two pro-independence parties that ultimately led to his downfall and resignation.
Over the 13 months of Mr Yousaf’s tenure as First Minister one of the most effective MSPs who operated in opposition was from his own backbenches – Inverness and Nairn Fergus Ewing.
Speaking today, Mr Ewing had sympathy for Mr Yousaf, saying: “Humza Yousaf was dealt perhaps the worst hand of political cards of any new leader of the SNP.
“His statement today was dignified and emotional. He worked hard, was and is an extremely personable man, and his term of office saw many problems arise not of his making.
“The main one in my view was the deal with the Greens, and association with them and their disastrous and damaging policies which caused loss of support for the SNP and loss of confidence in the Scottish Government.”
Moving swiftly on to who should succeed Mr Yousaf as First Minister, Mr Ewing insisted there was only one choice: “Now the party will choose a new leader.
“Kate Forbes is by far and away the person who can best lead Scotland. She nearly won in the last contest and has won the respect and support of a great many people. I have been inundated with messages of support for her.
“In particular, she has the qualities of character required to deal with a minority government by working with other main parties. Kate should lead the SNP. I believe her time has come.
“To choose any other candidate would be seen as a sop to and kowtowing to the Green parties who have now rightly been evicted from government.”
Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick was made a minister by Mr Yousaf said that he did make significant strides to tackle some of the issues in the north.
“Humza led a busy year of government which included movement on rural and islands housing, continued funding for Gaelic, and, of course, the addressing depopulation action plan which I had the privilege of working on,” she said.
“This recognised that, for progress on cross-government issues in the Highlands and Islands - and other areas facing depopulation - many things needed to change, including attitudes and approaches within the Scottish Government itself: a really important acknowledgement.
“I know from the engagement that I had with constituents that his leadership on Gaza - unmatched in the UK - was important and meaningful to many. I watched him take endless criticism and racial abuse for this stance, but he never wavered and was unapologetic in sticking to his principles which the party at large shares.
“I'll remember his leadership for all of that and for his approachability. I don't think anyone could accuse him of not being transparent and willing to listen and work with anyone, regardless of whether they disagreed with him and on what.
“He was visible across Scotland, including in the Highlands and Islands, and I hope his successor will continue that important work of making themselves accessible to everyone regardless of where they live.
“Geographical inequality is not solved overnight, but on that, tackling poverty, and so many other issues, I know that our moves over the last year were in the right direction. I'm proud to have been a part of that.”
Long-time supporter of Mr Yousaf, the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Maree Todd, who is also the Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care in his government said she has been left “saddened”.
“Humza Yousaf is a thoroughly decent, dignified and principled man. I am saddened by the events of the last week,” she said. “Despite the challenges our party has faced, Humza has worked tirelessly to deliver for the people of Scotland.
“Under his leadership, the Scottish Government delivered increased investment in the game-changing Scottish Child Payment, helping to reduce child poverty and inequality.
"His commitment to the Highlands was evident through his numerous visits, where he drove significant progress on areas such as the A9 dualling programme, depopulation strategies, and housing.
"Party members will choose a new leader in due course but what is clear is that the independence movement has never been stronger. Whoever leads our party and our country, will continue to make the positive case for Scotland’s future as an independent country.”
