Humza Yousaf has announced his resignation as Scotland’s First Minister ahead of two looming confidence votes.
Mr Yousaf had been battling for his political survival after terminating the power-sharing deal between the SNP and Scottish Greens on Thursday.
He was facing a vote of no confidence, tabled by the Scottish Conservatives, while Scottish Labour had tabled one of no confidence in the Scottish Government as a whole, with both expected to take place this week.
Announcing his resignation at a press conference at Edinburgh’s Bute House on Monday, Mr Yousaf said: “After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party, for the government and for the country I lead, I’ve concluded that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.
“I have therefore informed the SNP’s national secretary of my intention to stand down as party leader and ask that she commences a leadership contest for my replacement as soon as possible.”
Here are 12 of the best images from another day of political drama in Scotland’s capital.
9. Humza Yousaf to stay in post until successor is announced
First Minister Humza Yousaf outlines how he will remain in the role until a successor is chosen during his resignation statement at Bute House. Picture: Andrew Milligan/PA Wire Photo: Andrew Milligan
10. Humza Yousaf explains why he is quitting as First Minister
Humza Yousaf speaks during a press conference at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh where he said he will resign as SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister. Mr Yousaf, pictured here alongside a sign language interpreter, resigned from office today ahead of a confidence vote he was expected to lose after the coalition with the Scottish Green Party was scrapped last week. Picture: Andrew Milligan-Pool/Getty Images Photo: Pool
11. Humza Yousaf's press conference caught on camera phone
First Minister Humza Yousaf can be seen on a phone as he speaks during a press conference at Bute House, his official residence in Edinburgh, where he said he would resign as SNP leader. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow
12. First Minister Humza Yousaf leaving Bute House, the official residence of First Minister, after he announced that he will resign as SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister, avoiding having to face a no confidence vote in his leadership. Mr Yousaf's premiership has been hanging by a thread since he ended the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens last week. Picture date: Monday April 29, 2024. PA Photo. See PA story POLITICS Yousaf. Photo credit should read: Jane Barlow/PA Wire
Humza Yousaf leaving Bute House after he announced that he will resign as SNP leader and Scotland's First Minister, avoiding having to face a no confidence vote in his leadership. Picture: Jane Barlow/PA Wire Photo: Jane Barlow