Scotland’s Yousaf set to resign as First Minister, U.K. media say

Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House, Edinburgh, April 25, 2024. Scotland’s leader is facing a week of high-stakes talks to save his job and reenergize the country’s independence movement after he torpedoed a coalition with the Green Party by ditching a target for fighting climate change. | Photo Credit: AP

Scotland’s Humza Yousaf is considering quitting as First Minister rather than face two confidence votes, U.K. media outlets reported late on April 28.

Mr. Yousaf’s resignation was an option but a final decision had not yet been taken, BBC news reported citing a source 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 Mr. Yousaf being forced from office, the Times said, adding that Mr. Swinney is reluctant to step up because of personal circumstances.

Last week, Mr. Yousaf said he intended to fight a vote of no confidence called by political opponents after his decision to withdraw from a coalition agreement and try to run a minority government.

“I’m quite confident, very confident in fact, that I’ll be able to win that vote of no confidence,” he told Sky News on Friday.

If Mr. Yousaf loses, parliament would have 28 days to choose a new First Minister before an election was forced.