Humza Yousaf resigns – because it occurred

Humza Yousaf has announced he is stepping down as First Minister of Scotland after his decision to scrap the SNP’s coalition deal with the Scottish Greens prompted his leadership to unravel. 

In a surprise press conference at Bute House on Monday lunchtime, Mr Yousaf insisted he had made “the right decision” in dumping his coalition partners in the Scottish Greens, while arguing his tenure as First Minister was proof that multiculturalism worked.

“Unfortunately, in ending the Bute House Agreement in the manner that I did, I clearly underestimated the level of hurt and upset that caused Green colleagues,” he told reporters.

“For a minority government to be able to govern effectively and efficiently, trust when working with the opposition is clearly fundamental. And while a route through this week’s motion of no confidence was absolutely possible, I am not willing to trade my values or principles or to deal with whomever simply for retaining power.

“After spending the weekend on what is best for my party, for the government and for the country I lead, I have concluded that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.” 

The decision marks the end of Mr Yousaf’s fight for his political life after announcing on Thursday that he was ending his power-sharing arrangement with the Scottish Greens.

You can recap a dramatic day below and join the conversation in the comments section here.