Scottish Leader Resigns

Humza Yousaf resigned as Scotland's first minister yesterday, prompting the Scottish National Party's second leadership election in just over a year. The 39-year-old leader faced a vote of no confidence in the Scottish parliament following the end of a power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens party over the abandonment of a key target to reduce carbon emissions by 75% by 2030.

Yousaf, who replaced Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023, stepped down after being unable to reach a majority in Scotland's devolved regional parliament. The SNP has been the dominant party in Scottish politics for nearly 20 years and currently includes 63 of the 128 voting lawmakers. Other issues for the SNP include Scotland's reliance on its fossil fuel economy, particularly oil and gas extraction in the North Sea, a campaign finance scandal, and policy issues like rent control and transgender rights.

Yousaf, Scotland's first Muslim leader, will remain in office until his successor is elected. Failure to form a majority within 28 days would trigger early elections. See potential candidates here.