Scottish government survives vote of no confidence

Xinhua | Updated: 2024-05-02 00:24

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First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf (R) arrives with Jamie Hepburn MSP at the weekly Scottish National Party Parliamentary Group meeting at the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh, Scotland on April 30, 2024. The Scottish National Party (SNP) opened nominations Tuesday for a new leader, setting up a potentially fractious internal fight, after First Minister Humza Yousaf said he was quitting. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON -- The Scottish government on Wednesday survived a vote of no confidence, just days after First Minister Humza Yousaf announced his resignation.

The Labour-led vote of no confidence in the Scottish government was defeated by 70 votes to 58 at Holyrood, the Scottish Parliament.

The vote was unlikely to pass without the support of the Scottish Green Party, after the first minister confirmed he would be stepping down.

Yousaf, leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), announced his resignation on Monday. He has been under immense pressure since he ended a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Green Party last week.

Yousaf acknowledged that he had underestimated "the level of hurt and upset" caused by his decision to sever ties with the Greens.

He called for a leadership contest to find his replacement immediately. Yousaf will continue to serve as first minister until a new leader is appointed.

Under Scottish law, members of the Scottish Parliament have 28 days to choose a replacement.