London: The First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, resigned on Monday as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) after a conflict with his coalition partners the Greens over climate emissions.
“I have come to the conclusion that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm,” Yousaf told a news conference in Edinburgh.
The First Minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has resigned.Credit: Getty Images
“I have therefore informed the SNP national secretary of my intention to stand down as party leader and am asking her to start a leadership contest for my replacement as soon as possible.”
He said he will continue as prime minister until a successor has been chosen.
Yousaf, who was facing a no-confidence vote, had also been weakened by a campaign finance scandal and divisions over transgender rights.
The most recent crisis began earlier this month when Yousaf abandoned Scotland's target to cut carbon emissions by 75% by 2030, then ended a coalition deal with the Greens and he unceremoniously kicked out the two party representatives from his cabinet.
The latest upheaval in Scotland adds to the febrile political climate of uncertainty across the UK, where concerns over immigration, healthcare and government spending have eroded support for the governing Conservative Party.
More to come.
Reuters, AP
