HUMZA Yousaf has said he is the only candidate in the SNP's leadership contest who can "protect" the pro-independence majority at Holyrood
Speaking at the close of nominations to become the next leader of the party and first minister of Scotland, Yousaf, said: “I am honoured by the trust SNP members have placed in me by nominating me in the contest to be their next leader and First Minister.
"The grassroots of the SNP are trusting me to drive forward our independence movement at this important juncture in our party and nation’s history. I will not let you down.
“In the coming days and weeks I will set out more about my plans as your SNP First Minister, my ambition for driving forward Scotland's economy, how we do more to tackle the Tory cost of living crisis, and how we use all the talents of the party to win independence.
"The greatest strength of our independence movement, which we are all a part of, is its unity. And while we may differ from time to time about the best route to achieving our shared goal, we all agree that a powerful pro-independence cohort of parliamentarians is essential to achieving independence.
He added: “I am the only candidate that can protect our pro-independence majority Government in Holyrood.
“Activists and members of the SNP are the bedrock of the independence movement and we are so close to reaching our shared goal.
"I started my life in this party as a grassroots activist and will continue to stand alongside you as we campaign together for independence. I will ensure our members are empowered, are heard, and are the key to shaping our party's strategy. But most importantly, I will ensure it is our members who decide our next steps in our movement for achieving independence.
“I will take my campaign to be your next SNP first minister around the country, listening to party members in every corner of Scotland about how we want to move forward, reinvigorating our campaign machine, and getting on the doorsteps to persuade people that a fairer, wealthier and greener future, as in independent nation, is firmly in our sights.
“As a minority in this country, I know how important it is to protect the rights of all. This is something I will not falter on.
“If elected, I will be a first minister for all of Scotland.
"And today, I will make a simple promise to every single SNP member: I will be the SNP leader and first minister that takes our movement over the line and achieves independence for Scotland.
"We are within touching distance of that prize. It's time for experience and unity to ensure that becomes reality."
It comes as fellow leadership candidate Ash Regan said she was "not afraid" of leading a minority SNP government if the Scottish Greens pulled out of the Bute House agreement.
Yousaf, on the other hand, has said he would stand behind the existing arrangement with the Greens.
