The Scottish Greens Party Council has unanimously voted to support the election of Humza Yousaf as the next First Minister and to continue the Bute House Agreement.
Party co-leader Lorna Slater said the decision of members would “steer” how the group of Green MSPs will vote in Holyrood on Tuesday.
It comes after the party warned the coalition between the SNP and the Scottish Greens “would come to an end” with any veto of the parties’ historic Bute House agreement.
The SNP contest had triggered speculation around the future of the co-operation deal with the Greens.
Gender reforms were a key red line in the Bute House Agreement and Scottish Green sources claimed they could pull out if Nicola Sturgeon’s successor was someone who doesn’t agree with the legislation.
Following Yousaf’s election as SNP leader, Scottish Green Co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: “We congratulate Humza Yousaf on his election and look forward to building on the successes of the last 18 months.
“Our Council and MSPs met this afternoon and they voted unanimously to continue with the Bute House Agreement and to support his nomination as First Minister when a vote takes place tomorrow.
“This overwhelming endorsement of our arrangement will allow us to continue with the progressive, collaborative politics we know can help deliver a fairer, greener and more equal Scotland for all.”
Co-leader Lorna Slater said: “The scale of support in our party is a tribute to the success of the positive and progressive agenda in the Bute House Agreement which has been supported by Humza Yousaf in his successful campaign.
“Climate justice and equality are at the heart of our shared vision, and we are delighted to be working with Humza Yousaf on delivering on our shared co-operation agreement.”
Yousaf had insisted he was the only candidate who could ensure the agreement continues and said losing the support of the Scottish Greens would result in “significant challenges” for the SNP in getting its legislation through Holyrood.
Forbes said she was committed to the agreement amid suggestions the Greens could pull out of the deal if she became first minister.
“You look at the coalition agreement and you see there were areas where there was agreement and areas which were excluded. I think it’s possible to continue that discussion and that relationship,” she said.
Meanwhile Regan had said the SNP were being "held hostage" by their coalition partners the Greens, indicating she would be relaxed about the prospect of running a minority government.
