SNP activist tests support for leadership challenge against Humza Yousaf

Chris Hanlon said he would like to hear from others who are frustrated with the party’s leadership

An SNP activist is testing support for a potential leadership challenge against First Minister Humza Yousaf, in a sign of ongoing tensions within the party.

Chris Hanlon said he would like to hear from others who are frustrated with the SNP’s leadership.

He posted a photo of his nomination form to take over as party leader on Twitter. If he receives 100 nominations, he would force the second leadership contest in the SNP in six months.

First Minister Humza Yousaf

Mr Yousaf was elected SNP leader and First Minister at the end of March following a bitter six-week contest sparked by the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.

Mr Hanlon, secretary of the West Fife and Coastal Villages branch, tweeted: "The job of party leader is to implement party policy, all of party policy and nothing but party policy. Party policy is decided by conference. If, like me, you are concerned that leadership spends too much time pontificating about what they claim party policy is rather than waiting for members to decide, or telling journalists that the decision hasn't been made yet and that questions about the specific details of the independence election will have to wait till conference, I'd like to hear from you.

"I haven't made any decisions but if you feel, as I do, that feet need to be held to the fire, please comment below. Humza Yousaf promised to listen, I think we should make it clear that his position is conditional on living up to that promise.”

An SNP source said: "Every member has a right to put themselves forward for party positions, no matter the odds."