OPPOSITION parties have reacted to the election of Humza Yousaf as leader of the SNP.
Leader of the Scottish Conservatives Douglas Ross congratulated Yousaf but claimed he had "serious concerns" about his ability.
He said: “I congratulate Humza Yousaf on his election, and on becoming the first leader of his party from an ethnic minority.
“We encourage him to govern for all of Scotland and abandon his divisive plans to push independence relentlessly as the self-styled ‘First Activist’.
“As the main opposition party, we will hold Humza Yousaf to account when he lets the Scottish people down.
My statement on the SNP leadership election result👇 pic.twitter.com/27AmG2F1f2
— Douglas Ross MP MSP (@Douglas4Moray) March 27, 2023
“Unfortunately, we have serious concerns about his ability. For the good of Scotland, we hope he does not lurch from failure to failure as he did when he was Nicola Sturgeon’s health secretary, justice secretary and transport minister.
“Humza Yousaf’s election as leader shows that the SNP Government are moving further and further away from the real priorities of the Scottish people to obsess over independence.
“The Scottish Conservatives will continue to focus on the issues that matter to people across the country, such as strengthening our economy, supporting our struggling NHS and helping families with the global cost-of-living crisis.”
Anas Sarwar (below), the leader of Scottish Labour, congratulated Yousaf on his win and then called for an election.
He said: "I extend my sincere congratulations to Humza Yousaf on his election.
"While I question his mandate and the SNP's record, it is important to reflect on the election of what will be the first first minister from an ethnic minority background.
"Regardless of your politics, this is a significant moment for Scotland."
He added: "But while Scotland faces the twin crises of the cost of living and the NHS emergency, it is clear that the SNP does not have the answers that Scotland needs.
"This chaotic and divided party is out of touch and out of ideas.
"Humza Yousaf has inherited the SNP's woeful record, but he has not inherited Nicola Sturgeon's mandate.
"We need an election now, and Scottish Labour is the change that Scotland needs."
Congratulations to @HumzaYousaf on his election as @theSNP leader. My full statement below 👇 pic.twitter.com/19nRtI1eRG
— Anas Sarwar (@AnasSarwar) March 27, 2023
Labour leader Keir Starmer also weighed in on Yousaf’s victory.
He tweeted: “Congratulations to @HumzaYousaf – the first first minister of an ethnic minority background is a significant moment for Scotland”.
However, Starmer then added that the SNP “do not have the answers on the NHS or on the cost of living crisis”.
“Only Labour can provide the change that Scotland needs”, he said.
The leader of the Scottish Liberal Democrats, Alex Cole-Hamilton, also reacted to the news.
He said: "I would like to congratulate Humza Yousaf on becoming the first minority ethnic leader of his party.
"Scotland is crying out for a first minister who will put the people’s priorities first and be a leader for the whole country.
"There are huge challenges facing our country but sadly Humza Yousaf has not proven equal to those challenges in his previous roles. That’s not just my verdict but that of his colleague Kate Forbes.
I would like to congratulate Humza Yousaf on becoming the first minority ethnic leader of his party. Scotland is crying out for a First Minister who will put the people’s priorities first and be a leader for the whole country.
— Alex Cole-Hamilton MSP🔶🇺🇦 (@agcolehamilton) March 27, 2023
"On his watch, one in seven Scots are on a waiting list and his NHS recovery plan has completely failed to tackle crises in A&E, cancer care, mental health and dentistry.
"Reasonable, fair-minded people are turning away from the SNP and looking for someone who will fight their corner. This country is ready for change and Scottish Liberal Democrats will be part of what’s next."
Irascible Tory MSP Stephen Kerr claimed to have "no words" after tweeting his reaction.
"They actually did it," he said. "There was a bit of me that doubted, but the SNP, in their wisdom, have put failed health and transport secretary Humza Yousaf in bute house. I have no words."
