On Thursday, Humza Yousaf announced the end of the parliamentary alliance he maintained with the Scottish Green Party, after giving up on some environmental goals to which he had committed, assuming that the coalition “had already served its purpose”.
The target of harsh criticism, the resigning prime minister was unable to secure enough support to survive a motion of censure presented by the Conservative Party, with support from the Greens.
Yousaf initially stated that he intended to remain in office and lead a minority government, but in addition to the motion of no confidence in himself, the Labor Party also announced a motion of no confidence in the government.
“In order to ensure a smooth and orderly transition, I intend to continue as prime minister until my successor is elected,” he said.
Humza Yousaf was elected to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP in March last year. His resignation opens the door for the Labor Party to regain political power in Scotland.
The Scottish Parliament now has 28 days to choose a new First Minister, with former SNP leader John Swinney, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn and Yousaf’s former leadership rival Kate Forbes appointed as possible successors. If the SNP cannot find a new leader to gain support in parliament, forced elections will be held in Scotland.
