New leader of Scottish National Party's Humza Yousaf

Following Nicola Sturgeon's abrupt resignation last month, competition for the top position was between Humza Yousaf, Ash Regan and Kate Forbes.

Humza Yousaf, the winner of the SNP leadership race will succeed Nicola Sturgeon as the first minister of Scotland. The heated leadership race was ignited after Ms. Sturgeon's unexpected resignation last month.

The SNP's national secretary, Lorna Finn said that 50,490 of the party's 72,169 members cast ballots making the overall turnout for the leadership election 70%. In the single transferable vote method, Mr. Yousaf received 24,336 (48%), Kate Forbes 20,559 (40%) and Ash Regan 5,599 (11%) of the first preference votes.

In the second round of distribution of second choices Mr. Yousaf received 26,032 (52%) and Ms. Forbes received 23,890 (48%). After winning Mr. Yousaf said: "By their very nature elections for leadership positions can be painful.

"But we are a family in the SNP.

"We might have supported or opposed several candidates over the past five weeks. We are now one team we are no longer team Ash, team Kate, or team Humza. "We shall be the generation and the squad that brings Scotland's independence."

Before being formally confirmed as first minister on Tuesday, Mr. Humza will now be put to the vote in Holyrood. Any MSP from any party is eligible to be nominated. After brief speeches MSPs will vote for their chosen candidate.

An election that will be held in the Scottish Parliament cannot choose a first minister within the all-but-inevitable time frame of 28 days.

Following Ms. Sturgeon's resignation announcement, Ms. Forbes, Ms. Regan, and Mr. Yousaf all outgoing first minister's cabinet members entered the campaign for the top position. Arguments over religious views disputes over memories of the past and general disapproval of the vote's secrecy were all present during the leadership battle.

The election also brought several additional resignations including that of Ms. Sturgeon's husband, Peter Murrell from his position as SNP chief executive.

I believe that I am the luckiest man alive.

As he assumes office Mr. Yousaf must overcome numerous challenging obstacles.

Determining a precise strategy for independence moving forward with the contentious gender recognition legislation, addressing the shame associated with drug fatalities in the nation, resolving the cost of living crisis and fixing the NHS are among the top objectives.

In his words: "Being the leader of the SNP here makes me feel like the luckiest man in the world. a party I've been a member of for almost 20 years and adore." Mr. Yousaf said his grandparents had immigrated to Scotland from Punjab more than 60 years prior.

He spoke to the immigrants who came to our country knowing very little English and stated, "They could never have expected in their wildest fantasies that their grandchild would one day be on the verge of becoming the next first minister of Scotland."

Before the voting for the leadership, Mr. Yousaf declared that if chosen as first minister, he would lead "all of Scotland." He continued, I will strive tirelessly to maintain and regain your respect and trust.

"I shall go about doing it by treating the Scots with respect.

"When the problems before us are complex and tough, there won't be any hollow promises or simple soundbites. Because running for office is difficult, and I won't pretend otherwise.

Ms. Forbes apologized to her opponent and thanked her opponent.

She declared: "I've been honored to share a platform with him and Ash over the past five weeks, and I know we will continue to collaborate to improve the lives of all Scots on the next leg of our independence journey.

"Regardless of the intense differences or candid discussions of the previous few weeks, I am convinced that we will come together behind Humza as our new party leader to achieve our common goal of independence.

"Uniformity is not unity; we can disagree and argue respectfully while cooperating. Eliminate poverty. To stand up for the underrepresented. to have better jobs created. To assist our citizens. I wish Humza luck as he accomplishes it.

Also congratulating Mr. Yousaf was Ms. Regan. "I wish him well and support him as he leads our party," she continued. "I would encourage everyone to rally behind team SNP."

The three candidates received praise from Ms. Sturgeon. She continued, "Most of all, I want to congratulate and wish Humza Yousaf prosperity.

The former leader declared, "I could not be pleased to have him follow me." 

He'll make a fantastic first minister and leader.

"The SNP don't have the solutions"

Also Sir Keir Starmer expressed his best wishes.

Congrats to Humza Yousaf! The first minister from a minority background is a historic occasion for Scotland, he wrote in a tweet.

The Labour Party leader continued, "The SNP do not have the feedback on the NHS or the cost of living crisis." 

Only Labour can bring about change in Scotland. 

Douglas Ross, the head of the Scottish Tories also congratulated Mr. Yousaf.

He continued "As the major opposition party, we will hold Humza Yousaf accountable when he disappoints the Scottish people.

"Unfortunately we have significant reservations about his aptitude. We sincerely hope he can succeed, as he did while serving as Nicola Sturgeon's transport, justice and health secretaries.

"The SNP government is drifting further and further away from the fundamental objectives of the Scottish people to obsess over independence as demonstrated by Humza Yousaf's appointment as leader.

The Scottish Conservatives will keep emphasizing problems like bolstering our economy supporting our ailing NHS and assisting families with the rising cost of living that are important to people throughout the country.

Nonetheless, the Scottish Greens unanimously declared they would continue to uphold the Bute House Accord and support Mr. Yousaf.

"This overwhelming affirmation of our agreement will enable us to keep up with the progressive cooperative politics we know will help achieve a fairer, greener and more equitable Scotland for everyone" said Patrick Harvie, co-leader of the party.

Co-leader Lorna Slater stated, "Climate justice and equality are at the heart of our joint goal. We are glad to be working with Humza Yousaf on executing our collaboration agreement.

Gove makes light of the victory margin.

The communities and leveling up secretary, Michael Gove, congratulated Mr. Yousaf and made a joke in the Commons, saying, "I think that SNP colleagues will agree there is no need for another vote." Mr. Yousaf won by a margin of 52% to 48%.

The spokesperson for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak responded, "I think you know our well-established position when asked about Mr. Yousaf's demand for independence.

The public is concerned about decreasing inflation addressing the cost of living and clearing backlogs. The government will concentrate on that.

More generally, you heard the leveling-up secretary congratulate Humza Yousaf on becoming the leader of the Scottish National Party. The prime minister, of course, looks forward to working with him in the future.