Scottish Labour’s deputy leader has branded Health Secretary Humza Yousaf “delusional” for wanting to become the next SNP leader.
Jackie Baillie claimed Yousaf would be the “worst” First Minister in history if he secured the job.
As revealed by the Record, Yousaf is seriously considering a leadership bid after Sturgeon stunned Scotland with a shock resignation.
He could go head-to-head with other candidates including Finance Secretary Kate Forbes, Constitution Secretary Angus Robertson and Justice Secretary Keith Brown.
In a speech to her party’s conference in Edinburgh, Baillie: “I have always thought that Nicola Sturgeon was a skilful political operator – and it is clear that her instincts remain undiminished.
“She knew that the time was up for the SNP. She knew that her choice was leave now – or be replaced by the Scottish Labour Party.
“Downing Street is in our sights and so too is Bute House.
“So, I am putting Rishi Sunak and whoever replaces Nicola Sturgeon on notice – Labour is back in business and coming for your job.”
But her strongest criticism was reserved for Yousaf, who she has shadowed and urged to quit over massive waiting times for patients.
She said: “I hear the most astonishing news! Having been the worst health secretary on record, his condition has deteriorated further.
“He now aspires to be the worst First Minister on record. The lack of self-awareness might be considered by clinicians to be delusional.”
Baillie also announced plans to cut the number of NHS boards in a bid to save money.
She said: “At the moment we have 31 Health & Social Care Partnerships, 14 Territorial Health Boards, 8 Special Health Boards and 3 regulatory bodies.
“Each of these have a chief executive, directors of finance, directors of HR, and an army of spin doctors.
“The cost of that alone is over £20m.
“That’s why today I can announce that Scottish Labour will cut the red tape, and reduce the number of territorial boards to 3 and merge the special boards.”
It is understood Yousaf wants to become First Minister and is poised to declare his candidacy.
A friend of the SNP MSP said: “Humza is veering that way. He has a lot of support from MPs and MSPs. Some big names.”
The pal said of his pitch: “Part of it will be about experience. He has been in Government for ten years. He would also be a unifying force. Just as he has managed to get health unions round the table, he would bring the party together.”
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