Humza Yousaf, leader of Scotland’s pro-independence Scottish National Party (SNP), tendered his resignation on Monday, paving the way for the UK opposition Labour Party to potentially regain ground in its former Scottish strongholds ahead of an anticipated national election later this year.
Yousaf’s departure comes amid a tumultuous week triggered by his decision to terminate a coalition agreement with Scotland’s Greens, followed by his inability to garner enough support to withstand looming votes of no confidence.
Stepping down just over a year after assuming the role of first minister and SNP leader from Nicola Sturgeon, Yousaf stated that it was time for a new leadership to guide Scotland’s devolved government.
The SNP’s recent challenges, including a funding scandal and Sturgeon’s resignation as party leader, have contributed to a decline in its popularity after 17 years in power. Infighting over the party’s progressive agenda has further complicated matters, leaving Yousaf unable to strike a balance that would ensure his political survival.
Labour’s resurgence in Scotland, as indicated by recent polling data, poses a significant electoral challenge for British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party, which trails behind Labour in UK-wide opinion polls.
The Scottish parliament now faces a 28-day window to appoint a new first minister, with former SNP leader John Swinney and Yousaf’s former leadership rival Kate Forbes emerging as potential successors. Should the SNP fail to rally support for a new leader, a Scottish election will be triggered.
