The election of Humza Yousaf as the new SNP leader was today welcomed by the group's East Lothian and Midlothian politicians.
Midlothian Council leader Kelly Parry who attended the results announcement at Murrayfield said Mr Yousaf faces a tough job ahead.
Councillor Parry, who heads the council's SNP administration, said she looked forward to working with Mr Yousaf to make life 'fairer and better' for her communities and the country.
READ MORE: Humza Yousaf confirmed as new SNP First Minister to replace Nicola Sturgeon
She said: "I'm delighted to see Humza Yousaf elected today as the new leader of the Scottish National Party, and on the cusp of becoming Scotland’s next First Minister.
"The new First Minister has a tough job to do, and of course crucial to overcoming these challenges is a path for Scotland to be independent, free of Westminster imposed austerity.
"Leading an energy rich country whilst it's people are grappling to make ends meet and keep our homes warm is almost an unimaginable reality and a deeply unfair constitutional situation.
"I look forward to working with Humza Yousaf in the coming weeks, month and years, to make life fairer and better for Midlothian residents, and for the benefit of Scotland as a whole."
And East Lothian Council SNP opposition group leader Lyn Jardine, who also attended the results, welcomed Mr Yousaf's commitment to local authorities in his acceptance speech.
Councillor Jardine said: "In his speech Humza Yousaf reinforced the role of local government in achieving the Scottish Government’s policy priorities and the role of SNP Councillors in delivering local leadership.
"I’m delighted to be part of Team SNP as we move forward under new leadership, with Nicola Surgeon having left such a solid foundation for a progressive party in Scotland."
Midlothian North and Musselburgh MSP Colin Beattie also welcomed the new.
He said: "I would like to congratulate Humza Yousaf on being elected as the leader of the SNP.
"I hope now we can come together and continue to build on the strong foundations the SNP has laid. Continue our fight for independence and ensure Scotland is a better place to all. “
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