REACTION: Leading politicians from all parties react to Humza Yousaf's election – and Kate Forbes' defeat – in the race to become SNP leader and prospective Scottish First Minister
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Beaten leadership candidate Kate Forbes led congratulations to Humza Yousaf after his election as new SNP leader and prospective Scottish First Minister.
The finance secretary and MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch claimed the party could now unite behind the members’ choice.
Ms Forbes, who previously attacked Mr Yousaf’s record in ministerial posts, said: “I’ve been proud to share a platform with both him and Ash over the last five weeks and I know we will continue to work together to make the lives of all of Scotland’s people better on the next stage of our journey to independence.
“Whatever the robust disagreements or frank exchanges of the last few weeks, I am confident we will unite behind Humza as our new party leader, in the shared and common objective of independence.
“Uniformity is not unity – we can debate and disagree well, and then work together.
“To end poverty. To speak up for the marginalised. To create better jobs. To serve our people. I wish Humza well as he does just that.”
Outgoing First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: “I pay tribute to all three candidates for @theSNP leadership for rising to the challenge.
“Most of all, I congratulate @HumzaYousaf and wish him every success. He will be an outstanding leader and First Minister, and I could not be prouder to have him succeed me.”
All three Scottish opposition party leaders congratulated Mr Yousaf on becoming the first Scottish First Minister from an ethnic minority, but questioned his ability to lead the country successfully.
Scottish Conservative & Unionist leader Douglas Ross said: “We encourage him to govern for all of Scotland and abandon his divisive plans to push independence relentlessly.
“As the main opposition party, we will hold Humza Yousaf to account when he lets the Scottish people down. Unfortunately, we have serious concerns about his ability.
“For the good of Scotland, we hope he does not lurch from failure to failure as he did when he was Nicola Sturgeon’s Health Secretary, Justice Secretary and Transport Minister.
“Humza Yousaf’s election as leader shows that the SNP Government are moving further and further away from the real priorities of the Scottish people.”
Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar called for an immediate election.
He said: “While I question his mandate and the SNP’s record, it is important to reflect on the election of what will be the first First Minister from an ethnic minority background.
“Regardless of your politics, this is a significant moment for Scotland.
“But while Scotland faces the twin crises of the cost of living and the NHS emergency, it is clear that the SNP does not have the answers that Scotland needs.
“This chaotic and divided party is out of touch and out of ideas.
“Humza Yousaf has inherited the SNP’s woeful record, but he has not inherited Nicola Sturgeon’s mandate.
“We need an election now and Scottish Labour is the change that Scotland needs.”
Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “Scotland is crying out for a First Minister who will put people’s priorities first and be leader for the whole country.
“There are huge challenges facing our country, but sadly Humza Yousaf has not proven equal to (them) in previous roles.
“On his watch, one in seven Scots are on a waiting list and his NHS recovery plan has completely failed to tackle crises in A&E, cancer care, mental health and dentistry.”
Mr Yousaf is likely to retain the Holyrood support of the Scottish Greens who expressed hope he would “build on the legacy of his predecessors in delivering a progressive, climate driven and fair legislative agenda for all of Scotland”.
A party statement read: “As partners in the Bute House Agreement, we are encouraged his election will be viewed as an endorsement of these shared values, as Scotland looks to embrace a fairer, greener and more equal future.
“We will consult with our party members… to agree our next steps.”
Kate Forbes supporter Fergus Ewing, MSP for Inverness and Nairn, gave a qualified welcome to Mr Yousaf’s success and demanded the new leader fulfil his promise to act on upgrading the A9 and A96 routes.
Mr Ewing said: “As a strong supporter of Kate Forbes, I am disappointed that she did not succeed, but she secured a very strong vote and only just fell short of victory despite a massive and at times unpleasant campaign against her.
“As a Highland MSP first and foremost, I shall be writing to Humza immediately after he is confirmed as First Minister tomorrow, to ask that he set out before the summer his plans for delivery on our longest standing unfulfilled policy commitments for dualling the A9 and the A96, starting with the section to Nairn including its bypass.
“During the campaign in Inverness, he promised that delivery of these pledges will be a first priority for him and I therefore expect - and will demand - that he now deliver on this.”
Wishing Mr Yousaf every success, he added: “Our goal of Independence will require gentle persuasion of those who are not yet with us and a strong economy and competence in Government will be essential to enable us to get there.”
Drew Hendry MP for Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch & Strathspey, withdrew his support for Kate Forbes early in the campaign amid furore over her religious beliefs.
Sharing his congratulations to Mr Yousaf via Twitter, Mr Hendry: “I look forward to working with him on opportunities and issues important to the people of (my consistency).
“To build support for independence, to create a fairer, more prosperous and more equal Scotland.”
Kate Forbes’ neighbouring Highland MSP, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross member Maree Todd, supported Mr Yousaf’s campaign.
She said: “A huge congratulations to Humza Yousaf, the new leader of the SNP and Scotland’s next First Minister – the first from an ethnic minority background.
“During his time as Cabinet Secretary for Health, and throughout his career in government, Humza has shown an ability to lead with integrity and compassion.
“These qualities, along with his wealth of experience will serve him well as he embarks on the role of First Minister where I know he will build on the successes of Nicola Sturgeon and lead Scotland to its independence.
“We must now all get behind the candidate who has been selected by the membership to lead the SNP and the country.”
