Achi news desk-
The Scottish Conservatives have tabled a motion of no confidence in Humza Yousaf as First Minister, while Labor has tabled a motion saying the party has no confidence in the Scottish Government.
READ MORE: ‘Not at all’ Humza Yousaf resigns ahead of no-confidence vote
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Mr Yousaf used a visit to a new housing development in Dundee to reiterate his position and insist he was – voluntarily – going nowhere.
He also denied that he was a “lame duck” Prime Minister, a line of attack used by the opposition parties as they tried to undermine his authority following the collapse of the Bute House Agreement.
Asked if he intends to resign, Mr Yousaf said: “No, I fully intend to not only win that vote but I intend to fight to make sure the Government continues to deliver on the people’s priorities .
“Like, for example, investing in affordable housing.”
He accused the opposition parties of “playing a political game”, and added: “We will get on with the work, and when the vote comes I fully intend to win.”
When asked if he would work with Alba Holyrood Party leader Ash Regan – whose vote could be crucial to his survival – the First Minister said he would write to all the leaders, inviting them to a meeting in an attempt to “making minority government work” .
His comments came as he fights for his political survival after ending the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens at Holyrood for nearly three years.
In the meantime, Ms Regan has written to the Prime Minister, explaining her requirements if she wants to support him.
The former SNP minister, who challenged Alex Salmond’s party, said she wanted to see progress on independence for Scotland and protect “women’s and children’s rights”.
She posted her letter to Mr Yousaf on social media platform X but, apart from seeking support for her previously mentioned independence bill, the letter was light on specifics.
He said: “Independence for Scotland, protecting the dignity, safety and rights of women and children, and providing competent government for our people and businesses across Scotland remain my priorities.
“My door is open to discuss the progress of my proposed Scottish Parliament Powers Referendum Bill.”
Ms Regan’s Bill would seek a referendum to ask the Scottish public whether Holyrood should have the powers to negotiate and legislate for Scottish independence.
Scottish Conservative leader Douglas Ross said: “This was a desperate and disgraceful attempt by a lame duck Prime Minister to save his job.
“Humza Yousaf has failed Scotland, his government is in bad shape and, despite his bluster, he knows he is done.
“That’s why we got his emergency announcement of more money for affordable housing, months after the SNP budget included a brutal £196million cut to it.
“He has the cheek to claim that he is now trying to compromise with the opposition parties when he and the SNP have divided Scotland at every turn. The only letter I want to see from Humza Yousaf is one announcing his resignation.
“His obsession with independence has left our economy and public services worse off.
“The Scottish Conservatives’ No Confidence Vote in Humza Yousaf will go ahead, and my party urges all MSPs disillusioned with his dismal leadership to support it.”
Meanwhile, Scottish Labor tried to put further pressure on the SNP by presenting a motion of no confidence in the entire Scottish Government, rather than just Mr Yousaf.
If passed, this could lead to a Scottish Parliament election.
The leader of the Labor Party, Anas Sarwar, said: “It is now a matter of when, not if, Humza Yousaf will resign as Prime Minister.
“It would be unsustainable for the SNP to assume it can impose another unelected prime minister on Scotland.”
Scottish Tory leader Douglas Ross confirmed on Times Radio that he would support Labour’s proposal, saying: “I will support it because I want to get rid of the Scottish Government.”
Mr Yousaf’s former allies in the Scottish Greens have vowed to vote against him in the motion of no confidence.
A tight vote is expected at Holyrood next week, and as the SNP has 63 out of the 128 MSPs, it seems that Ms Regan’s vote would be crucial to get Mr Yousaf over the line.
The Bute House Agreement gave the SNP-led Government a majority at Holyrood but it has come under strain in recent days after the Greens said they would put the future of the agreement to a vote by their members.
Some in the Greens were unhappy after the Government dropped the 2030 climate target, and over the decision to delay prescribing new puberty blockers at Scotland’s only sex clinic for young people.
With the Greens voting in favor of the motion of no confidence, there would be 64 out of 128 MLAs who do not support the First Minister.
Alba leader Mr Salmond said Ms Regan was now “the most powerful MSP in the Scottish Parliament”.
President Alison Johnstone can cast a tie but would be expected to vote for the status quo.
Any vote is likely to take place next week, with the timings to be confirmed by parliamentary authorities.
