SNP’s Hamza Yousaf Cancels Independence Speech As Greens Back No-Confidence Motion

First Minister Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House, Edinburgh, after the First Minister terminated the Bute House agreement with immediate effect. Picture date: Thursday April 25, 2024. 75989272 (Press Association via AP Images)

Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf cancelled a key speech he was due to deliver Friday amid a leadership crisis that threatens to end his tenure.

Scheduled to discuss labour strategy in an independent Scotland at Strathclyde University, Yousaf instead finds himself battling to save his political career as calls for his resignation grow louder following his abrupt decision to break his party’s power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens Wednesday.

The Scottish National Party (SNP) leader, who took over from Nicola Sturgeon last March, could face ouster as early as next week. The coalition fallout has prompted the Scottish Tories to file a no-confidence motion, backed by Labour, which could push for a government-wide vote.

Labour leader Anas Sarwar told LBC that “it is now a matter of when, not if, Humza Yousaf resigns,” adding that another unelected First Minister would be “completely untenable.”

Meanwhile, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn voiced support Yousaf’s decision to end the Bute House Agreement with the Greens, calling for calm and reflection in the face of the upcoming confidence vote.

As Yousaf’s potential political allies dwindle, all eyes turn to former leadership contender Ash Regan. Now aligned with former SNP leader Alex Salmond’s Alba Party, Regan holds significant sway over Yousaf’s future, demanding a reset focused on independence and competent governance.