Humza Yousaf is standing firm, refusing to step down as Scotland's first minister despite facing a no-confidence vote next week. He's determined to stay in his role and is optimistic about winning the vote, hoping even to change the minds of the Scottish Greens, who are pushing for his removal.
Despite recent setbacks, including the collapse of the SNP's power-sharing agreement with the Greens, Yousaf remains resolute. He plans to lead the SNP into the upcoming general and 2026 Holyrood elections, brushing off claims that he's now a "lame duck" first minister.
To navigate the challenges of leading a minority government, Yousaf intends to work with opposition parties "issue by issue" to address Scotland's priorities. He's reaching out to opposition leaders, including the Greens, in an effort to "make minority government work."
Yousaf's determination was evident during a visit to Dundee, where he announced £80 million in funding for affordable housing projects. Despite facing criticism from opponents, such as the Scottish Conservatives, who are pushing for his resignation, Yousaf is focused on governing and is not letting the impending no-confidence vote deter him.
The vote, expected next week, is shaping up to be a close call. Yousaf would not be obliged to resign if he loses, but with Labour, the Liberal Democrats, and the Greens set to vote against him, his future hangs in the balance. The support of Alba Party MSP Ash Regan could be pivotal, though Yousaf's past comments about her make reaching an agreement challenging.
The fallout from the collapsed power-sharing deal with the Greens has led to tensions within the party. Former allies like Patrick Harvie have criticized Yousaf's leadership, calling for the SNP to find a new leader. The Scottish Labour Party has also expressed its lack of confidence in the government as a whole, indicating a broader desire for change beyond just Yousaf's leadership.
Despite the challenges, Yousaf remains determined to lead, showing resilience in the face of adversity. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether he can weather the storm and continue as Scotland's first minister.
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