The resignation of Humza Yousaf from the leadership of the Scottish National Party (SNP) and, therefore, from the position of chief minister, plunges the pro-independence party into its second leadership contest in just a year and several names are already being considered as possible successors.
Yousaf, who replaced Nicola Sturgeon just 13 months ago, resigned after coming under increasing pressure after scrapping a government coalition deal with the Scottish Greens.
Among the main names that are gaining strength are John Sweeney, former deputy chief minister of Scotland, Kate Forbes, former regional finance minister and Stephen Flynn, leader of the SNP in the British Parliament.
John Swinney
His name appears as the favorite to occupy the position of Scottish chief minister as he is considered the only figure who could potentially unite the party at a difficult time.
John Swinney has enormous experience, popularity and likability within the party, he was finance minister in Alex Salmond’s government and former deputy first minister of Scotland under Nicola Sturgeon, and had previously led the SNP, although he resigned in 2004 after a negative result in the European elections.
Swinney today admitted to being “carefully considering” the possibility of running to succeed Yousaf.
“I have felt somewhat overwhelmed by the requests that have been made to me” to take over as the new leader, he added.
Kate Forbes
The former finance secretary faced Humza Yousaf in last year’s race to replace the popular Nicola Sturgeon and narrowly lost.
His religious opinions on social issues such as gay marriage and abortion could make any pact with the Greens difficult, but at the same time they would facilitate a rapprochement with the Scottish conservatives.
She is perceived as a politician of great capacity, but her election would represent an important change of direction with the ideological line that Sturgeon consolidated in the party.
Stephen Flynn
The leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the British Parliament is another name being considered in the party.
Although he could not be chief minister from Westminster, he could technically lead the SNP, but this incompatibility of functions raises doubts in various sectors.
Other names that could be considered include both Education Minister Jenny Gilruth and Health Minister Neil Gray.
The party now has 28 days to elect his successor in a UK general election year scheduled for the second half of this year.
Source: Gestion
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