The Twist
So Humza Yousaf has resigned, as we told you on Thursday night he would.
But there was one interesting line in his farewell speech.
The Scottish Greens made abundantly plain over the weekend that any idea of them supporting a government led by Yousaf was out of the question, and that their future backing for the SNP was conditional on it being led by someone they approved of.
But Yousaf said that rather than stand down and let the Deputy FM Shona Robison take charge of the government for a few weeks or months while the SNP choose a successor, he would remain in office until the process was concluded.
This may be simply because nobody in Scotland would trust Robison with hot liquids, let alone a country, but it’s nevertheless a significant step, because it means that when Labour’s confidence motion comes before the Holyrood chamber later this week, it’ll be a confidence motion in a government still led by Humza Yousaf.
And what that of course means is that the Scottish Greens either have to do a simply COLOSSAL u-turn on everything they’ve been saying since last Thursday, or they still have to vote with Labour and bring the government down.
That isn’t what they wanted. They wanted to spend the next two years with the SNP dancing on a string, unable to do anything that the Greens didn’t like for fear of being immediately defenestrated. They wanted to effectively control the SNP by having a veto on who got to be the party’s leader.
They CAN still do that, by abstaining on the vote, but they’ll look utterly ridiculous. And of course, that’s never been much of a problem for them, so it may well happen. But in the only known example of ever having some spine during his time in Bute House, Yousaf has gone out by tossing a hand grenade over his shoulder in their direction and leaving them to deal with it.
Exactly a good point Stu.
Someone has helped Yousaf play a good way forward.
Bbc news had Blackford hinting J Swinney will stand for FM.
Maybe the best of a bad bunch but he does speak with forked tongue and rarely deals straight.
Not a true independista as I know to my cost.
With a new election for SNP leader will we get to see the membership numbers again? This time without the interference from Peter. Want to open a sweepstake on how many that will be?
You would really want such a (figurative) grenade to explode in their faces. But given the (lack of) calibre in the SNP and the parliament more generally, I fully expect the troughers to keep troughing.
More bollocks ahead.
What a fucking cringeworthy spectacle that clown is and the bloated turd that is blahford was on bbc bigging him up
Was that a Nammo grenade he threw.
If I was Paddy Helmet I’d say we have managed to get rid of Useless which is what we wanted. We will not vote for the Labour motion as that would rid Scotland of this wonderful progressive partnership. If the SNP elect as a leader someone sensible (i,e, not Forbes) we look forward to working with that leader in the future on a case by case basis.
Swinney is in London.
Or Labour could withdraw the no confidence motion now that he has “resigned”.
See: Business as usual.
The show goes on and nothing happens really.
They’re all in this together, after all.
Disagree Rev. It’s a bad for party and country. It shows the lack of respect by the parliamentarians in the party for the leader whom they should have been rallying round instead of whining in support of the SGreens. Sturgeonism has carried on and now will probably return on stilts with the apparent choices – god, that is sufficient to see the resignation as bad. Independence consigned to the bin while bruised egos play and plan their next stupidity. Yousaf may have been a weak leader but he is better than all the rest except perhaps Flynn or Forbes but neither would lead us to independence. Yousaf should have told the media and the Sturgeonites to gtf, reshuffled his Cabinet and Ministers, sacked all of Sturgeon’s advisors he inherited, continued his diplomacy across the Holyrood parties and brazened out the vonc’s. I did not vote for Yousaf but would consider it if there was a next time.
Oooooompht!! You couldn’t make this up! That’s a lot like an Alex Salmond move would have been. I’m impressed, bu**er I didn’t ever want to use “impressed” in context of HY… ?
Popcorn time…
Haven’t seen any mention of Neil Gray taking over in MSM (who can trust them anyway). Swinney and Flynn only ones I’ve seen talked about (both would be very poor decisions and impractical)
“Or Labour could withdraw the no confidence motion now that he has “resigned”.”
Why on Earth would they do that? What’s changed?
“Disagree Rev. It’s a bad for party and country.”
I didn’t say it was good, I said it was interesting.
Another anomally is BBC reporting Scottish news not made up,
I await the green brigade to back peddle or find a excuse to be electable,
If only we had a Scottish parliament where the people of Scotland could vote who gets in, under a Scottish election system,
The “resignation” speech was more a self-aggrandising pity party, sprinkled with references to his favourite pet subjects or race and hate.
No mention of the anti-democratic hate act.
No mention of the catastrophically bungled Net Zero “targets” that were rightly binned.
No mention of the Alphabet stuff poisoning our kids’ minds.
The carrot of “independence” was dangled, despite having done NOTHING to further it, nor convince anyone like me looking to be convinced.
And finally, he’s not even “resigned”, as he remains in post for now, until someone else can be found.
All in all pish-poor. Bring on the VONC and election please.
Thank goodness Humza is gone! Fundamentally he did not have the intelligence for the FM role. Scotland deserves better! What an honour to be the FM of Scotland. I hope that we get someone with the intelligence and passion for Scotland but fear there is no person of the required calibre in the SNP ranks!
Stu, you did rather well in your analyses as events continued to shift like quicksand this week past,
Proclaimers
Humza no more
Harvie no more
Slater no more
Time for another continuity candidate. Whats Saint Nick up to?
Having seen Mr Harvie in spiteful mode and Ms Slater in tearful mode over losing their Ministerial sinececures my money would be on the Greens, as a whole, being willing to sell any principle whatsoever to keep their places at the publicly filled trough and maintain the illusion of their self importance.
Though I’d also guess that messrs Harvie and Slater are on a right shoogly peg as far as their joint leadership goes, not to mention any potential high spot on the list.
poll in the national has kate forbes out in the lead – by a mile; the touted gilruth distant third
Maybe Sarwar thinking that a Holyrood election now would probably have him limping along as a minority administration First Minister for only two years
And not fancying that one bit
I am surprised that he lasted this long. A nice guy very charming one type one but no charisma and no leadership skills. Watched Alan Cochrane on GB news he was delighted. Reminds us that the SNP are not the bad guys here.
Any truth to the rumour that Patrick Harvie is dancing in front of his mirror to the song “Goodbye Horses” by Q Lazzarus?
Goodbye Humza
I’m lying over you
Goodbye Humza
I’m lying, lying, lying over you
“Would you elect me? I’d elect me. I’d elect me HARD”
In other news, surgeons are optimistic that a tail may be able to have its dog reattached with at least limited maneouverability.
Even he and his advisers can see that Shona Robison would be exactly what the Greens want. SNP supporters cheering for Flynn. The Unionists will ensure that he doesn’t into Holyrood to lead the party. As you say, Rev, maybe Humza has found a bit of bottle – not nearly enough, though. The nerve of the Green parasites is incredible. Humza has stymied them for now, along with the rainbow parasites in his own party. He has risen fractionally in my estimation.
Swindle will take over
He has nothing to lose
No-one else will want to be at the helm when snp lose badly in the general election
Now is the moment for any [preferably several] decent SNP member[s] to stand for the Leadership.
The SNP Leader does NOT have to be a parliamentarian. The only rule is that if the Leader is an MSP then they must be their party’s nomination for FM.
As I suggested some years ago, it is actually more sensible to separate the two roles when the party is the “government” because government is a full-time job in itself [unless you are a titan a la A Salmond].
This leaves the Leader free to concentrate on getting Scotland out of the Union – there’s a hell of a lot to organise on that front administratively e.g. ensuring there’ll be a procedure in place to get oaths of loyalty immediately on announcing we’re out of the Union, from the police, defence force, civil service, banks etc etc.
Back to the Party Leadership contest. It is far healthier to have several candidates than merely one selected by the usual suspects. Please God the party membership finally realise that they must get normal, decent people leading and running the party. This really is the Last Chance Saloon.
If the answer is Swinney, what’s the question?
Scotland’s deputy first minister has condemned the appearance of stickers bearing the slogan “It’s okay to be white” in Perth city centre.
The stickers were posted on lampposts and drainpipes throughout the city at the weekend.
John Swinney, who is also MSP for Perthshire North, said the “atrocious” stickers had “no place in Perth or any other part of our country.”
Self-identified Scottish nationalist John Swinney says that it’s not okay to be white in Perth, or in Scotland in general.
Given that Scottish people generally tend to be white, should we not get a First Minister who doesn’t despise us on a racial or ethnic basis?
For a wee change?
Dancer!
Safest way forward now (what with the author of the vow counting votes in any leadership campaign) must be for Sturgeon to stand unnoposed and ressurect her defacto referendum plan(s)
Fact he’s staying on until that happens also means Greens will have to vote down the government because it’s given Humza indefinite notice which, presumably, clashes with their principles on equality given their guys got only 2 minutes, labour needs to vote it down because it’s their plan, and conservatives need to vote it down because FM is clearly still leading it
Thank you Humza, true gentleman* and an absolute superstar
*Probably unfair to draw (Scottish) labour into this observation but it’s Well worth mentioning that the collusion against him could begin to look a lot more sinister than a meagre hate crime if the opposition parties drop their no confidence motions now that the only western leader complaining about the potential genocide in Palestine has been forced out by political machiavillainism rather than, say, the electorate.
Hopefully Labours motion takes them down.
It’s going to be a like a Poundland version of the post Brexshit Westminster debacle.
Not impressed by Alba Strategy. They had media attention and could have made more noise and could have gotten a message out.
William black
says:
29 April, 2024 at 12:45 pm
“Swinney is in London”.
Getting his instructions from Head Office in Thames House!
It’s amazing that at this stage some people still manage to blame the Unionists. There’s none so blind as those who cannot see.
My thoughts on this whole shit show is another wasted year of my life and Scotland’s future.
Anyone who can’t see that all these parties and MSP are all working hand in hand with one and other needs their head read.
The leadership contestwill be decided by London.
I did actually laugh at loud at the following line:
“…nobody in Scotland would trust Robison with hot liquids, let alone a country…”
Top quality.
@Red
I’m pretty sure those “it’s ok to be white” stickers were plastered by the Homeland Party , which is a far right party having many ex BNP and National Front members in its ranks. A bit of context is needed…
Skimming through social media for the ‘SNP 1, Greens 2’ people, a hefty chunk of them seem a wee bit pissed off with the Greens, especially Harvie who they see as undermining Yousaf, which is of course what he did.
Let’s remind ourselves that Harvie & Slater wanted to vote to end the Bute House Agreement to wield power over the SNP and Yousaf especially. They had no intention of ending the BHA, it was purely to try to placate Green members and play power games as we all know that Harvie’s been pulling the SNP strings for a long time now. As Stu’s pointed out, Yousaf has now thrown the Greens a live grenade and I’ve no idea what Harvie will do but I suspect he’ll try to backtrack, especially if/when the SNP appoints another weak leader who doesn’t tell the Greens to piss off.
I’m also not too surprised to hear that Harvie, Slater and Greer are feared by so many within the Greens. I’ve met Harvie. I found him petty & a living example of The Peter Principle. Slater was an idiot, while Greer I’ve managed to avoid speaking to but I’m very aware of his type within left wing politics. Putting Scotland in these people’s hands is wreckless and yet another example of how Sturgeon destroyed faith in politics in Scotland.
Again, I wonder why few in Scotland’s media or its vocal commentators have scraped beyond the surface of The Greens because there’s real, serious dirt there the electorate should be aware of, though I think the Greens are doing their best to alienate people beyond their position on Trans/Gender issues. They’ve done nothing for the environment and policies such as taking £200m out the housing budget for cycle lanes is an act of such contempt for ordinary people that they deserve never to be anywhere near power again.
The SNP has long ceased to be the vehicle by which Scotland can regain her independence and instead, for nearly a decade, has become a vehicle by which mediocre politicians and their associated camp followers can make a comfortable living…by both legal and, (allegedly), illegal means.
The pursuit of independence through competent governance for the common weal has been lost to minority interest groups, personal hobby horses and self aggrandisement; including the adoption of methods not seen since the last days of communism in eastern Europe, where jailing your critics and your political predecessors via trumped up charges and a corrupt judiciary was standard-fare.
Scotland doesn’t just need a new FM and leader of the SNP. Scotland needs an enema!
Those who talk about «hurt» and get dewy and wet around the eyes ought not to be in politics.
May Scotland now have people of granite!
Ah well, done – the first step.
This is the end of the beginning rather than the beginning of the end. The greens are now in a very difficult position. There are still a fair number of “twists” yet to come in this Geek tragedy, methinks. Interesting times.
One racist leader down.
Hopefully a bit more can be directed at Sarwar now, might as well get started before he becomes FM rather than leaving it til after like with Yousaf.
And the only person even mentioning Independence through the course of this whole sorry sh*tshow is Ash Regan.
Humza bleating on about “not sacrificing his principles2 while he throws them in a dumpster and sets fire to them.
He’d have gone up in a lot of peoples estimation if he’d just called them cunts.
If Ash accidentally gets covid in time for the vonc in the government then she can avoid being seen as the msp who brought down the snp gov .
It’s also hilarious seeing UK political commentators speaking on this thinking this is all about independence and the environment, when in fact, it’s nothing to do with independence. Independence hasn’t been part of Scotland’s politics for a good few years now, certainly since the BHA started.
Owen Jones for example is taking The National’s money but his knowledge of Scotland and its politics is zero.
In my view, Kate Forbes would be the best for the SNP. Show the SNP can be a competent government, reach out to Conservatives and Liberals (there’d be plenty of those in an independent Scotland. A party that cared about independence would want plenty of people on board for independence, not just SNP voters)and Kate would be most likely to do that. Fortunately (for me, and Unionists generally) that seems unlikely and the SNP will choose another corrupt inadequate to lead.
I watched the speech with great fraud schadenfreude. Best part was his utterly insincere 14 seconds of soon-recovered-from being ‘overcome by emotion’ near the end for the wife and weans. Was expecting it, was not disappointed. Risible and hilarious. The use of the unionist phrase “a force for good” was pure emetic comedy too. Shaking my head sadly.
The SNP will just stumble their way to the next election. Nothing has changed other than rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic.
The only way to truly light the touch paper is with a General Scottish Election as soon a possible. This is like watching a 4 hour movie when you already know the tragic ending. There are no surprises, no happy ending and an uncertain future for all of us.
As for Labour, they’re best voting to bring down the SNP, sitting back & letting all the chaos play out while they soak up any voters who voted SNP because they were once competent on economics and social issues. Sarwar however would be wise to distance himself from the Greens & just let the SNP and Greens act like children & potentially, he could find himself as First Minister.
my understanding is that a successful no-confidence vote doesn’t actually trigger an election. in which case, what’s the point of it other than a bit of theatrics?
I see that Kate Forbes has issued a statement but it’s behind The National’s pay wall. (I unsubscribed a while ago.) The BBC has nothing…
Looks like the Greens have no shame and will support the SNP in a no confidence vote just so long as they elect a suitably approved replacement.
I’m deeply confused why so many people, on a supposedly Scottish independence supporting site, are wanting a General Election where the SNP would very likely lose power. you don’t like some of the SNP’s policies? fine, but better to reform in power than to let the Conservative and Labour party renew its grasp on Scotland
The most imminent and serious danger is the threat of Freeports. Either through naivety or neoliberal design, Kate Forbes supports selling off large chunks of Scottish territory and its economy to hedge funds in the Caymans. For example, “Forth Ports” ‘Greenport'(!!) is in fact Otter Ports, based in Grand Cayman.
Independence is the last thing on SNP leadership’s horizon.
Richardinho @ 15.00.
Perhaps the reason independence supporters wish a Scottish election could be because they wish to vote for the replacement of perceived unionist politicians by independence candidates.
The record of SNP devolved administrations since the advent of Ms Sturgeon and her acolytes in 2014 has failed to inspire any confidence amongst many independence supporters that they are not, in practise if not theory, just another unionist bunch of grifters.
link to wingsoverscotland.com
What’s changed is that he has “resigned”.
As you pointed out at the start, the first “no confidence” was only against the leader of the SNP but would be of no force even if passed because it would not FORCE him to resign. Whereas a “no confidence” in the government would necessitate an election.
Now that he has resigned, the first one is moot and Labour has an excuse not to pursue the second.
Rev,
What’s changed is that he has “resigned”.
As you pointed out at the start, the first “no confidence” was only against the leader of the SNP but would be of no force even if passed because it would not FORCE him to resign. Whereas a “no confidence” in the government would necessitate an election.
Now that he has resigned, the first one is moot and Labour has an excuse not to pursue the second.
“What’s changed is that he has “resigned”.”
Yousaf was under orders NOT to do a deal with Ash Regan (Alba) its been patently obvious to me that the SNP since Salmond stood down is captured by Westminster and Washington, so no concessions to advance bread and butter polices never mind independence is the order of the day.
“Swinney in London”
Getting his orders I suspect.
What happens if the Greens back the Scottish Government in the confidence vote and then a few weeks later the SNP membership vote in a leader that the Greens don’t like? Or is the intention that Swinney just takes over next week on a permanent basis?
I really hope Swinney stays well clear of the leadership. He was underwhelming when he was leader before Salmond made his comeback about 20 years ago. Swinney has zero charisma. He is the chartered accountant of political leaders. Can’t see him advancing indy one iota. Maybe that’s the whole idea.
@sven I understand the disappointment. I share it. I just fail to see how letting the Conservative and Labour party back into power is better than the current situation.
And contrary to the naysayers, there is a lot of talent that will be vying to become the new leader: Kate Forbes, Stephen Flynn (I don’t see why MPs shouldn’t be leaders), and Jenny Gilruth are all quite promising, in my opinion.
I have to say, I’m not sure what the Rev Stu wants these days. It just seems to be a constant counsel of despair coming from his direction, which is kind of depressing.
Swinney is just another Pension Pete.
I have it from the horses mouth that he made it abundantly clear to all Perth and Kinross prospective SNP councillors that the SNP were not interested in independence and that if they could not accept that then they need not stand.
John Swinney is a good a decent man. Does anyone on this forum remember the circumstances in which he was ousted as leader. I was at the meeting in Stirling when he resigned. Winnie Ewing stood up and said “this is the crucifixion of a good man”. Now you are all going to tell me Winnie didn’t want Independence
Failed leader goes, next leader a proven failed Leader, WTF !
James Barr Gardner @ 18.13
A failed leader indeed … But a proven keeper of secrets.
christ on a bike,come on people.
There’s no one even half way capable of getting scotland back on track.
Take a good look at yourselves.
Your fucked, with no appropriate adults to take the reins. Good luck.
It’s a charade. Nothing coincidental . Humza Yousaf has been used yet again. Sturgeon’s desperation to get him into the job of FM as her successorv had nothing to do with his ability but everything to do with keeping Kate Forbes out, as will be the case this time too. Nothing to do with her religion, but because she isn’t one of their ilk.
. Swinney was deputy when the auditors resigned. He and Sturgeon are the best of buddies. If he asked nothing or chose to know nothing it speaks volumes about his character and leadership ability.