Scotland’s Humza Yousaf is contemplating stepping down as First Minister instead of confronting two confidence votes, UK media reported late Sunday.
While Yousaf’s resignation remains a possibility, a final verdict is yet to be reached, according to an insider close to the minister.
Former Scottish National Party leader John Swinney has been approached by senior party figures to become an interim First Minister in the event of Yousaf being forced from office. However, Swinney reportedly hesitates due to personal circumstances.
Yousaf’s tumultuous journey reached a climax last week when he announced his intent to contest a vote of no confidence instigated by political adversaries, prompted by his withdrawal from a coalition agreement in favour of attempting to govern with a minority government.
“I’m quite confident, very confident in fact, that I’ll be able to win that vote of no confidence,” Yousaf said during an interview on Friday.
Should Yousaf face defeat, parliamentary protocols dictate a 28-day window for the selection of a new First Minister before the necessity for an election arises.
Chioma Kalu
Follow us on:
