Scottish politics RECAP: Humza Yousaf formally resigns | John Swinney elected Scotland's new first minister
Catch up on what happened as John Swinney was elected the new First Minister of Scotland.
Scotland News Live: Keep up with news from across the country
Welcome to another busy day in Scottish politics...
Good morning.
We are expecting several significant developments at Holyrood today. Humza Yousaf is due to give a speech before officially finishing up in the role of First Minister.
And John Swinney, who yesterday became the SNP’s new leader unopposed, is set to be involved in a vote to install him as Mr Yousaf’s successor as the new FM.
This should all play out this afternoon.
When will the vote for John Swinney to become FM take place?
Not sure on any of the timings for today’s vote to crown a new first minister?
Then never fear - our political correspondent Rachel Amery will walk you through everything that is due to play out this afternoon. You can read about all the expected timings here.
The author of the Cass review has spoken at Holyrood
Dr Hilary Cass, the author of the Cass review, has been addressing a Scottish Parliament committee this morning.
She has said a proposed ban on conversion therapy in Scotland risks “frightening” off clinicians from working with young people who identity as trans.
Our political editor Alistair Grant has covered what Dr Cass has had to say, and you can read it all here.
Hello!
I’m Rachel Amery, The Scotsman’s political correspondent, and I am taking over the live blog for the afternoon.
I’m in the Scottish Parliament right now waiting to hear if we will get a vote to make John Swinney the next First Minister today - keep an eye on this blog and I will bring you all the latest as it happens.
Humza Yousaf has officially stepped down as First Minister.
King Charles III has accepted Mr Yousaf’s resignation and the Scottish Parliament has been notified of this.
Mr Yousaf said: “Being the First Minister of the country I love, the country I am raising my family in, and the only country I will ever call home, has been a phenomenal honour.
“As a young Muslim boy, born and raised in Scotland, I could never have dreamt that one day I would have the privilege of leading my country - people who looked like me, were not in positions of political influence, let alone leading governments when I was younger.
“I am proud to have delivered a council tax freeze for households in every local authority in Scotland, invested record amounts in our National Health Service, removed peak fares on our railways, and approved plans for Europe’s largest floating offshore wind farm - and through our actions, an estimated 100,000 children are expected to be kept out of poverty this year.
“From the backbenches of the Scottish Parliament, I will continue to champion the rights and the voices of those who are often not heard, be they at home or abroad.”
You can read Humza Yousaf’s resignation letter to King Charles III in full.
With my humble duty, I write as anticipated in my letter to Your Majesty of 29 April to tender to Your Majesty my resignation from the office of First Minister.
I propose that my resignation take effect from the start of Scottish parliamentary plenary business on Tuesday 7 May 2024.
Throughout my time as First Minister, I have been most grateful for your counsel and the kindness you have shown to both Nadia and I.
It has been my pleasure to serve Your Majesty and the people of Scotland since March 2023.
Humza Yousaf
We are expecting a vote to take place in the next few hours to make John Swinney the new First Minister.
In the meantime, you can read our handy guide on exactly what the process is and what we can expect to see over the coming hours and days.
John Swinney has just entered the SNP group meeting ahead of this afternoon’s business in the Scottish Parliament.
He received a round of applause as he entered, and he walked in with Ivan McKee MSP and Alasdair Allan MSP.
Looks like the election of the next First Minister will be at 3pm today.
On the Scottish Parliament’s website, Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone has written a note to say nominations to stand for First Minister will be accepted between 2pm and around 2.30pm, with the vote expected to be held at 3pm.
These timings could change, as the parliamentary bureau hasn’t yet confirmed its updated timetable for this afternoon.
Just had an email through from the bookies William Hill - they say the odds of John Swinney still being SNP leader at the next election are 2/1.
Lee Phelps, a spokesperson for William Hill, said: “With the SNP in turmoil at present, some might think that new leader John Swinney won’t be given much time to steady the ship, but Swinney has led the party before and at 1/2 we expect him to still be in place come the next Scottish Parliament elections in May 2026.
“The SNP look set to sustain heavy losses in Westminster at the next general election however, with Labour 4/7 to win the most Scottish seats when the UK public go to the polls later this year.”
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