Yousaf mulls quitting as Scottish leader

Humza Yousaf is reportedly considering quitting as First Minister of Scotland.

Sources close to Mr Yousaf have indicated he could give up his role but a final decision has not yet been taken, according to outlets including the BBC and The Times.

A source told the BBC last night that “the clock has been ticking ever downwards” for the leader of the Scottish National Party.

It comes as he faces two votes of no confidence – one from the Scottish Conservatives, and another from Scottish Labour, which has tabled one for the Scottish government as a whole.

Votes on the motions are expected at Holyrood in the coming week.

Mr Yousaf has previously said he will not resign and that he intends to win the confidence votes.

His former partners in government, the Scottish Greens, have said they are continuing to back the votes of no confidence.

This morning, Scottish Green Party co-leader Patrick Harvie told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme: “I don’t think Humza Yousaf any more is in a position to be able to lead.”

He added: “I don’t think there is anything that Humza Yousaf will be able to say to restore the trust he has broken.”

The First Minister requires the support of at least one member of the opposition at Holyrood.

Alex Salmond’s Alba Party has reportedly distanced itself from making such a deal with Mr Yousaf, leaving the his fate in the hands of the Scottish Greens.

The leader of the Scottish Greens expressed regret over the breakdown in the powersharing deal, but described Mr Yousaf’s position as nevertheless untenable.

“Everybody understands how deeply regrettable and unnecessary this whole situation was,” he said, adding: “I think it is really important that we return to stability.”