What's happened
Humza Yousaf has resigned as SNP leader following a series of setbacks, including strained relations with the Scottish Greens and internal party conflicts. The Greens withdrew their support after Yousaf abandoned key agreements, leading to his decision to step down. An SNP leadership election will now take place, with Yousaf remaining as Scottish First Minister until a successor is chosen.
Why it matters
Humza Yousaf's resignation as SNP leader marks a significant shift in Scottish politics, potentially impacting the stability of the SNP government and future policy decisions. The strained relationship with the Scottish Greens highlights the challenges of coalition politics and the importance of maintaining trust and agreements within political alliances.
What the papers say
Freddie Hayward from New Statesman reports on the internal struggles within the SNP that led to Humza Yousaf's resignation, highlighting the impact of policy disagreements and coalition tensions. Sky News provides insights into the political turmoil faced by Yousaf, including the breakdown of relations with the Scottish Greens and the implications for the SNP government's stability.
How we got here
Humza Yousaf's resignation comes amidst ongoing police investigations into SNP finances, controversies over gender policy, and internal party divisions following Nicola Sturgeon's departure. The strained relationship with the Scottish Greens dates back to the Bute House power-sharing agreement, which faced challenges over climate targets, gender clinic policies, and tax freezes.
Common question
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The Scottish National Party is a Scottish nationalist and social-democratic political party in Scotland. The SNP supports and campaigns for Scottish independence within the European Union, with a platform based on civic nationalism.
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Humza Haroon Yousaf MSP is a Scottish National Party politician who has been Cabinet Secretary for Justice since 26 June 2018 and the Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Pollok since 2016.