Humza Yousaf has disclosed that internal party polling concerning his personal ratings was the decisive factor in his resignation as Scotland's first minister. The former SNP leader, who served from March 2023 to May 2024, made this revelation in a recent interview, shedding light on the private deliberations that preceded his departure from office.
The Polling That Sealed His Fate
In an exclusive conversation with the Press Association, Yousaf recounted the critical moment when he realised his tenure was untenable. He explained that internal polling conducted over a couple of days showed widespread public support for his decision to terminate the power-sharing agreement with the Scottish Greens, known as the Bute House Agreement. However, when he inquired about his own polling numbers, the response was stark: "It's not great."
This feedback prompted Yousaf to retreat to his kitchen, where he confided in his wife, Nadia, stating, "I've got to do the right thing." He acknowledged that alternative political manoeuvres, such as striking a deal with Alex Salmond's Alba Party, could have technically secured his position by providing just enough parliamentary support. Yet, he feared such an alliance would exacerbate fractures within the SNP, a risk he was unwilling to take for the party's stability.
Avoiding Further Party Division
Yousaf emphasised his commitment to avoiding additional internal strife, stating, "I'm not prepared to put the party through that." He reflected on his choice to end the coalition with the Greens, asserting it was the correct decision but perhaps executed poorly. He even mused that a more diplomatic approach, akin to a "conscious uncoupling" like that of celebrities Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin, might have yielded a different outcome.
Despite stepping down after only 11 months in office, Yousaf expressed no regrets over his actions, particularly his dismissal of Green co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater from the government. He characterised his resignation as a necessary step for the SNP's future, suggesting that another leader might be better suited to guide the party forward.
Hypothetical Scenarios and Future Prospects
Yousaf speculated on what might have transpired had he remained in power until the general election, which occurred just two months after his successor, John Swinney, took over. He noted that the SNP faced a resurgent Labour Party campaigning on a message of change, a challenge that would have been difficult to overcome regardless of leadership.
He humorously referenced "the men in grey kilts," a Scottish twist on the traditional "men in grey suits" phrase, implying that party elders would have likely pressured him to resign post-election if he hadn't done so earlier. Yousaf concluded that he probably would have reached the same decision to step down independently, dismissing any notion of regret with a firm "Nah."
Leaving the Door Ajar for Politics
While Yousaf has announced his intention to stand down from Holyrood at the upcoming May election, he left open the possibility of a return to frontline politics in the future. He stated, "I would never close the door on anything," but clarified that a comeback is not currently part of his plans. His resignation marks the end of a historic chapter, as he was the first Muslim and person of colour to lead Scotland, a milestone he achieved during his brief but impactful tenure.
