Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf faces vote of no confidence after key political alliance ends

Humza Yousaf will contest a vote of no confidence in the Holyrood parliament following the termination of the SNP-Green power-sharing agreement, risking his position as First Minister amid increasing political instability.
Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf is set to face a vote of no confidence in Holyrood after announcing the termination of the Bute House Agreement, a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. This political move, announced by Yousaf, has led to uncertainties about the stability of his government and his ability to maintain leadership. The agreement, signed following the 2021 Scottish election to secure a working majority for the SNP and the Greens, has been a cornerstone of their collaboration. The end of this pact has catalyzed support for the no-confidence motion from the Greens, Scottish Labour, and the Lib Dems.
The vote of no confidence, expected to be tightly contested, comes amid criticisms of Yousaf’s focus on Scottish independence rather than addressing key issues like healthcare and education. Douglas Ross, leader of the Scottish Tories, has called not only for Yousaf’s removal but also for the dissolution of the Scottish government under his leadership. Despite these challenges and the speculation of resignation circulating on social media, Yousaf has expressed a firm intention to remain in office and contest the vote. This situation puts his political future in jeopardy, notably if he fails to garner enough support within the closely divided parliament. The outcome will significantly influence the leadership dynamics within the SNP and the broader landscape of Scottish politics.