SNP leadership: Humza Yousaf dismisses challenge from 'disgruntled' SNP activist as not one of his '101 different worries'

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

Humza Yousaf has dismissed a mooted leadership challenge from a “disgruntled” SNP activist, declaring “I have 101 different worries as First Minister, and this is not one of them”.

Activist Chris Hanlon has tested support for a potential leadership challenge against Mr Yousaf in a sign of ongoing tensions within the party, saying 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, it would force the second leadership contest in the SNP in six months.

First Minister Humza Yousaf

But during a visit to Fort William on Monday, Mr Yousaf pointed out Mr Hanlon was “one member out of 75,000” and could do what he liked.

"I have 101 different worries as First Minister, and this is not one of them,” he said.

“[SNP MP] Angus Brendan MacNeil has been a vocal critic of the leadership strategy since before I was leader of the SNP and that has continued.

“We will deal with Angus Brendan MacNeil with standing orders and members and conduct committee, but genuinely, the internal issues of the SNP, which I have been dealing with for over 100 days, they are not top of my priority list. My priority is the people of Scotland and tackling issues such as the cost-of-living crisis.”

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, had 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."