Humza Yousaf has promised he will "argue tirelessly for independence" – despite facing calls from the UK Government to put the SNP’s “obsession” aside.
In his first speech after being voted into the job by MSPs, the new SNP leader insisted his Government will be "able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent".
In a sideswipe at the Conservatives in Westminster - who have blocked Holyrood reforms of the gender recognition process - Yousaf also said the Scottish Government would be less effective "if we allow the UK Government to arbitrarily veto this Parliament’s legislation".
He confirmed later that there "absolutely will be" a minister for independence in his Government.
Yousaf also revealed a call has been set up with Rishi Sunak “very soon”,
He added: "We have a mandate for a referendum and I will be putting that case forcefully to the Prime Minister.”
Sunak had earlier told MPs that he is “looking forward to having a dialogue” with the new First Minister.
Yousaf addressed MSPs and then the media after a vote in the Parliament saw him become the country’s sixth First Minister.
In his speech to MSPs, Yousaf paid tribute to his predecessor Sturgeon and her deputy first minister John Swinney, who he said had “left a significant legacy”.
He told Holyrood he would be “very proud to build on the record” they had left.
Yousaf then added: “I will also continue, as they did, to argue tirelessly for independence.
“In my view, and it is of course the view of the majority in this Parliament, we will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent.”
Yousaf insisted he would argue “vigorously for independence”, but also said he would work with the UK Government “where I can, when I can, in the best interests of our nation”.
That was welcomed by Scottish Secretary Alister Jack, who insisted politicians at Westminster want to “work constructively” with the new First Minister “on the issues that matter to people in Scotland”.
Jack said: “I was pleased that during his acceptance speech Mr Yousaf made clear he also wants to work together. That is what people in Scotland, rightly, expect.
“There is a huge amount to be done – continuing to tackle the cost of living, growing Scotland’s economy, tackling NHS waiting lists, ensuring our energy security and improving transport links.
“I hope that Mr Yousaf will govern for the whole of Scotland. In particular I hope he will put his obsession with independence aside, and concentrate on working with the UK Government to make life better for people in Scotland.”
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