SNP leader says ‘confident’ to win vote as pressure builds following decision to end coalition deal with the Greens.
Scotland’s First Minister Humza Yousaf has said he intends to fight a vote of no confidence following his decision to withdraw from a coalition agreement and try to run a minority government.
Yousaf, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has faced growing pressure from his political opponents after he ended a coalition deal with the Greens earlier this week.
“I’m quite confident, very confident, in fact, that I’ll be able to win that vote of no confidence,” he told British broadcaster Sky News on Friday.
A day earlier, Yousaf ended the coalition agreement with the Greens after a dispute over a decision to scrap a climate change emissions reduction target last week.
“It is in the best interest of the people of Scotland to pursue a different arrangement,” he had said, admitting that ruling as a minority government would be “tough” but promising to work with all parties in parliament.
But the move prompted the opposition Scottish Conservatives to say they would lodge a vote of no confidence in the first minister — and almost all other parties, including Yousaf’s former coalition partners, said they would vote against him.
Scottish Conservatives leader Douglas Ross also called Yousaf “a failed first minister”, “weak” and “unfit for office”.
The chapter marks the latest setback for the SNP, which has been hit by internal squabbling, resignations, fraud claims and a fall in support.
‘Act of cowardice’
Green co-leader Lorna Slater called Yousaf’s decision to nix the coalition deal “an act of political cowardice by the SNP, who are selling out future generations to appease the most reactionary forces in the country”.
She said the party would not support Yousaf in a vote of no confidence.
“We no longer have confidence in a progressive government in Scotland doing the right thing for climate and nature,” she said.
On Friday, the Scottish Labour Party also said it wants to lodge a no-confidence vote next week.
“It would be untenable for the SNP to assume it can impose another unelected First Minister on Scotland,” leader Anas Sarwar said in a statement, saying an election was needed to give Scotland a “fresh start”.
With the Conservatives, Labour, Greens and Liberal Democrats all indicating they have no confidence in Yousaf, he would need the support of Ash Regan – a one-time leadership rival to Yousaf who acrimoniously left the SNP last year – to cling on as first minister.
If Yousaf lost, parliament would have 28 days to choose a new first minister before an election was forced.
The SNP-Greens deal, known as the Bute House Agreement after the Scottish first minister’s official residence in Edinburgh, was signed in 2021. It gave the SNP a majority in the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood.
New Brunswick voters have elected a Liberal majority government, tossing out the incumbent Progressive Conservatives after six years in power and handing the reins to the first woman ever to lead the province. Liberal Leader Susan Holt spent much of the campaign rolling out proposed fixes for a health-care system racked by a doctor shortage, overcrowded emergency rooms and long wait-times. She promised to open 30 community health clinics across the province by 2028. (Oct. 22, 2024)
Susan Holt has made history in New Brunswick by becoming the first woman to serve as the leader of the province’s Liberal Party, a significant milestone in the province’s political landscape. Holt’s leadership victory signals a new era of representation, gender equality, and change in the region, which has long been dominated by male politicians.
Holt’s journey to the top has been one of perseverance and dedication. Before entering politics, she built a distinguished career in the private sector, where she held numerous leadership positions. Her experience in business development and public policy has equipped her with the skills needed to navigate the complex world of politics.
In a province where women have historically been underrepresented in politics, Holt’s election represents a watershed moment. Women’s involvement in leadership roles has been steadily increasing nationwide, but New Brunswick, like many parts of Canada, has seen slower progress in achieving gender parity. Holt’s rise to the top of the Liberal Party not only shatters a glass ceiling but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of women aiming for political leadership.
As the leader of the New Brunswick Liberal Party, Holt has laid out a vision of inclusivity and progress. Her policies focus on economic development, healthcare reform, environmental sustainability, and addressing social issues that have plagued the province. She has also emphasized the importance of transparent governance and creating opportunities for underrepresented communities, making her platform both modern and forward-thinking.
Holt’s leadership arrives at a time when many voters are calling for change, especially in the face of challenges like economic uncertainty and the need for healthcare improvements. She aims to bring fresh ideas to tackle these issues while ensuring that all citizens, regardless of their background, have a voice in government decisions.
Susan Holt joins the ranks of other trailblazing women across Canada who have led provincial parties and governments. Women like former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley and Ontario’s Kathleen Wynne have paved the way, and now Holt is contributing to this growing legacy of female political leadership in Canada.
Her achievement highlights not only the growing number of women entering politics but also the demand for leaders who can bring diverse perspectives to the table. In a field often dominated by entrenched traditions, Holt’s election is a step toward a more inclusive and representative political landscape in New Brunswick.
Holt’s leadership signals a broader shift in Canadian politics, where more women and diverse voices are gaining prominence. For young women across the country, her rise serves as a powerful reminder that leadership roles are within reach, even in traditionally male-dominated spheres.
With her election, Susan Holt has proven that perseverance, skill, and a vision for change can break even the toughest barriers. Her leadership will not only reshape New Brunswick’s political future but also inspire others across Canada to pursue leadership positions and continue to challenge the status quo.
NDP Leader Carla Beck has two planned campaign events today, starting the day with an availability in Moose Jaw and then later this evening attending an event in the capital with the Regina Medical Staff Association.
Saskatchewan Party Leader Scott Moe, meanwhile, will speak in Prince Albert at the start of Voting Week in the province.
Saskatchewan residents can vote for five days starting today in the lead-up to next week’s provincial election, although polls won’t be open Sunday.
The NDP and the Saskatchewan Party are urging voters to cast their ballots early.
Voters can find their polling stations on their information cards or by visiting the Elections Saskatchewan website.
Chief electoral officer Michael Boda says there are about 810,000 registered voters in Saskatchewan.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2024.
