Perth and Kinross politicians have given their reaction after Humza Yousaf was named as the successor to Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader.
Yousaf won a bitterly contested race against Ash Regan and Kate Forbes, and was unveiled at Murrayfield in Edinburgh at 2pm yesterday after voting closed at noon.
The Scottish Health Secretary will face a vote at Holyrood on Tuesday before being confirmed as Scotland’s new First Minister.
Sturgeon stands down after more than eight years in the role after she was unopposed when replacing Alex Salmond.
Perthshire North MSP John Swinney is also departing, as Deputy First Minister, and backed Yousaf to replace Ms Sturgeon since her shock resignation announcement.
Swinney believes Yousaf can “strengthen the SNP as a force for progressive change in Scottish politics”.
Speaking following the announcement, Swinney added: “I am delighted that Humza Yousaf has been selected to lead our party and country.
“Humza has significant experience as a government minister and has campaigned impressively during this leadership contest.
“I also welcome the fact that Humza’s election will see the role of First Minister being held for the first time by an individual from an ethnic minority background.
“This is a significant moment for our country, and I am sure politicians of all parties will welcome this important milestone in Scotland’s history.
“I wish Humza well and I look forward to supporting his government from the backbenches.”
MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire Jim Fairlie said: “I congratulate Humza Yousaf on his victory in the SNP leadership contest.
“Our party membership has backed Humza to be not only our party leader, but the new First Minister of Scotland and I wish him all the best for the challenges ahead.
“As leader he must inspire us to move the dial on independence and reach out to people that are currently unsure about that idea.
“We must work hard as a party to deliver competent governance and build upon Nicola Sturgeon’s strong legacy and do everything we can to help the people of Scotland.
“Now the election is over we must unite as a party and give our full support to Humza.
“I will work with him to make sure that we bring everybody together on the next step of our journey towards independence.”
Perth and North Perthshire MP Pete Wishart and Ochil and South Perthshire MP John Nicolson also congratulated the new SNP leader with the latter saying he “led a positive and bold campaign”.
The race has been a tumultuous affair, with dramatic resignations and acrimonious clashes between the candidates during live TV debates.
Interim chief executive Mike Russell said, only a few days ago, that the party is in “a tremendous mess”.
Outgoing leader Sturgeon has defended the situation, saying the SNP is going through “some growing pains”.
Perhaps the most dramatic moment in the leadership campaign was the resignation of Peter Murrell, who had served as SNP chief executive for almost 25 years – and is married to Sturgeon.
Scottish Conservative MSP Murdo Fraser said: “Congratulations to Humza Yousaf on being elected SNP leader, and thanks to Kate Forbes and Ash Regan for a lively contest.
“As someone who has failed in every ministerial role he has held, Humza has a huge job to do to prove his ability as First Minister.”
Fellow Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Liz Smith has urged Mr Yousaf to prioritise the economic and cost of living crisis in Scotland.
“I offer my congratulations to Humza Yousaf,” she said.
“Hopefully he will immediately turn his attention to the most pressing issues in Scotland and most especially to addressing the very serious economic challenges for Scotland which were set out by last week’s Fiscal Sustainability Report published by the Scottish Fiscal Commission.
“This report is a major wake-up call for the new First Minister.”
