Politics Scotland | Yousaf Resigns After Hours

[Gemma]

Released without charge a few hours later, pending further investigation.

Sturgeon published a statement on Twitter shortly after police confirmed her release.

She said: "To find myself in the situation I did today when I am certain I have committed no offence is both a shock and deeply distressing.

"I know that this ongoing investigation is difficult for people, and I am grateful that so many continue to show faith in me and appreciate that I would never do anything to harm either the SNP or the country."

"Innocence is not just a presumption I am entitled to in law. I know beyond doubt that I am in fact innocent of any wrongdoing."

She thanked people for messages of support and also her family for "much-needed strength at this time".

Her statement ended: "While I will take a day or two to process this latest development, I intend to be back in Parliament soon where I will continue to represent my Glasgow Southside constituents to the very best of my ability."

 

[Ghost]

After little over a year in power Humza is gone.

Humza Yousaf has announced he is resigning as First Minister of Scotland after his decision to scrap the SNP's coalition deal with the Scottish Greens caused his leadership to unravel.

Delivering a statement at Bute House in Edinburgh, an emotional Mr Yousaf said he will continue in the role until his successor as leader of the SNP has been chosen.

He said: "While a route through this week's motion of no confidence was absolutely possible, I am not willing to trade my values and principles or do deals with whomever simply for retaining power.

"Therefore, after spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party, for the government and for the country I lead I have concluded that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.

"I have therefore informed the SNP's national secretary of my intention to stand down as party leader and ask that she commences a leadership contest for my replacement as soon as possible."

Mr Yousaf fought back tears as he thanked his family for their support. Ending his resignation statement, he said: "I am sad that my time as First Minister is ending, but I am so grateful, I am so blessed, for having the opportunity that are afforded to so few to lead my country and who could ask for a better country to lead than Scotland."

 

[Steve]

I think Scotland needs to change of political direction although I cannot see Labour or the Tories gaining power. They need to get back to governing instead of just harping on about independence.

Kate Forbes or John Swinney look like the obvious choices.

 

[Hera]

Kate Forbes or John Swinney look like the obvious choices.

Oh god, I hope not.

 

[Gemma]

Scottish politics is a shitshow.

The SNP are just a train wreck all round. Their record in this government is all "culture war left" with the gender bill, which they purposefully designed so it would be blocked by Westminster, and hate crime bill, which obviously achieved nothing but bad headlines.

They have got a very poor record in terms of education, health and the whole drugs/alcohol/addiction issue. They They were untouchable a couple of years ago with Sturgeon in her pomp, now they must be under severe threat of only being able to form a very weak minority.

They've pissed off the electorate, their power sharing partners, and themselves.

Swinney seems the obvious choice to try unite them but I don't think he is the answer.

 

[Tom]

I think Scotland needs to change of political direction although I cannot see Labour or the Tories gaining power. They need to get back to governing instead of just harping on about independence.

I agree with this 100% - right now Scottish politics is broken - it has been a long time since the government actually did anything of note or introduced any new policies which benefit the people of Scotland, I don't pay much attention to politics but everything seems to be failing and all the SNP do is, rightly or wrongly, blame those at Westminster.

 

[Bandit]

Just out of interest, has any power sharing deal ever been successful? Are they doomed to failure from the start?

 

[Tom]

Just out of interest, has any power sharing deal ever been successful? Are they doomed to failure from the start?

The first two terms of the Scottish Parliament were Lab/Lib coalitions. Labour had three First Ministers; Donald Dewar (died in office), Henry McLeish (left under a cloud) and Jack McConnell. Deputy FM was Jim Wallace of the LibDems.

 

[Tom]

John Swinney looks like he has a clear path to being the new SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister after Kate Forbes rules out running.

 

[Son Of Jack]

Probably a sensible move by Forbes - much as I like her, with the current composition of the Scottish Parliament she'd be in a rather difficult position given she is very much persona non grata to the Greens. Swinney is a safer pair of hands to get the SNP focused on governing again until the next election.