Is this the beginning of the end for Humza Yousaf?
Apr 25, 2024
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Humza Yousaf, Scottish politician, terminated the governing pact with the Scottish Greens, facing a no-confidence vote. The decision may impact the first minister and Scottish government. Katy Balls discusses with guests the political tensions, coalition decision-making, and uncertainty in Scottish politics, including potential leadership changes and polling trends.
Humza Yousaf ended SMP-Greens coalition due to policy disagreements.
No-confidence vote threatens Yousaf's leadership and potential early election.
Deep dives
The collapse of the SMP-Greens coalition
The podcast discusses the breakdown of the SMP-Greens coalition in Scotland. Initially brought together over key energy targets, the Greens faced backlash leading to an emergency general meeting to decide on the future of the agreement. Rising skepticism among SMP backbenchers about policy priorities ultimately pressured Humza Yousaf to end the coalition, signaling a significant shift in Scottish politics.
Implications of the trans issue on the coalition's collapse
The podcast highlights how disagreements over issues like the Cast Review and statements on puberty blockers exacerbated tensions within the coalition. The reluctance from Green Party members to endorse certain measures caused antagonism in the SMP. Despite past support for the agreement, Humza Yousaf pulled the plug, citing a shift in priorities and signaling a significant political move.
Political instability and potential leadership change
The episode delves into the potential consequences of a no-confidence vote against Humza Yousaf, indicating a precarious position for the first minister and the SMP. With a possible early election looming, the SNP's support has wavered, and speculation arises about new leadership. The SNP's declining popularity in polls adds pressure for a change in leadership, with figures like Kate Forbes emerging as potential successors amidst growing political turmoil.
After two and a half years in government together, Humza Yousaf has terminated the SNP’s governing pact with the Scottish Greens. The decision was rubber stamped at a hastily arranged meeting of the Scottish cabinet on Thursday morning. It preempts a vote by rank-and-file Green members on whether to walk away from Yousaf’s government after he ditched a key climate target.
In response, The Scottish Conservatives have tabled a vote of no confidence vote. And the Yousaf might very well lose it, now the Greens are out of the government. What will this mean for the first minister?
Katy Balls speaks to Lucy Dunn, Iain Macwhirter and Fraser Nelson.
Produced by Oscar Edmondson.
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