Scotland: First Minister Humza Yousaf announces his resignation

Scotland's First Minister Humza Yousaf today announced he was resigning, in a statement given at the FM's official residence in Edinburgh, Bute House.

It means there will be another Scottish National Party (SNP) leadership contest, the second in the last 18 months.

Humza Yousaf won the leadership of the SNP following Nicola Sturgeon's resignation in February 2023. He secured 52% of the votes from SNP party members, narrowly beating Kate Forbes to the post.

After the 2021 Holyrood election, Sturgeon entered into a power-sharing arrangement with the Scottish Greens after the SNP missed out on an overall majority. The deal, known as the Bute House Agreement, included various policies advocated by the Green Party.

But last week Humza Yousaf terminated this agreement and this triggered a strong backlash from the Scottish Green Party. In FMQs last Thursday, Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Conservatives announced his party would table a motion of no-confidence in Mr Yousaf.

The next day, the leader of Scottish Labour Anas Sarwar said his party would table a motion of no confidence in the Scottish Government.

While Humza Yousaf was believed to have the votes to escape the vote on his government, it was clear all opposition parties would vote for the no-confidence motion in him.

Rather than wait for this to happen, it is clear Humza Yousaf has decided to jump before he is pushed.

As First Minister, controversial legislation including the Gender Recognition Reform Scotland Bill was passed by MSPs (although this has been blocked by Westminster - a decision upheld by the Supreme Court).

Mr Yousaf also said he was opposed to the legislation of assisted suicide.

His announcement means the SNP will hold another leadership contest and Mr Yousaf will stay on as FM until his successor is announced.