Lanarkshire’s politicians have responded to the election of Humza Yousaf as the new leader of the SNP.
Mr Yousaf won 48 per cent of first-preference votes in the ballot of party members and then won the leadership with 52 per cent of the poll when second preferences were redistributed – and is now set to be officially elected as Scotland’s new First Minister at Holyrood tomorrow.
The new SNP leader had special praise for Airdrie & Shotts representative Neil Gray during his acceptance speech at Murrayfield, calling the MSP “the best corner man I could have asked for during the rollercoaster of emotion that is any leadership contest” and adding: “There’s no way I would have made it to the finish line without [his] support.”
Angela Crawley, the Lanark & Hamilton East MP, was one of the first local politicians to congratulate Mr Yousaf, saying: “I am delighted that the party has chosen to follow up the first woman elected as First Minister with the first Muslim to be First Minister.
“This progressive approach to leadership and to politics has been pivotal to the SNP’s success for the last decade and longer; I am confident Humza will build on that success and on Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy by leading Scotland to independence.”
Collette Stevenson MSP is looking forward to inviting the new leader to her constituency, saying: “Humza has been no stranger to East Kilbride and I hope to welcome him here soon in his new role!”
She added: “Humza will focus on tackling child poverty, supporting our NHS and other public services to recover, and protecting every Scot as far as possible through the Tory-made cost of living crisis.
“I look forward to working under his leadership and making Scotland a fairer, more prosperous country.”
Environment minister Mairi McAllan, the Clydesdale MSP, said she is “delighted” by Mr Yousaf’s election, saying he is “an experienced minister and campaigner who can unite our country”.
She told Lanarkshire Live: “Humza will be our first party leader and First Minister to come from a ethnic minority background, and that is very much a significant moment for Scotland which we should all celebrate.
“I commend all three candidates for putting themselves forward and having backed Humza in the contest, I will be very pleased to get behind him now.”
Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP, said: “I’m delighted that Humza Yousaf has been voted the new SNP leader; his election is a truly historic moment as he stands to become the first Scots Asian and Muslim First Minister.
“Humza’s progressive vision is in stark contrast to a Labour party which supports a deeply damaging Brexit, denies democracy in Scotland, and has jumped into bed with Tories in councils across Scotland.
“I am so proud of what the SNP has achieved in power thus far, and Humza has the talent and experience to build on Nicola Sturgeon’s legacy and complete our journey to independence.”
Dr Lisa Cameron, the MP for East Kilbride, Strathaven & Lesmahagow, added her congratulations and said: “Nicola Sturgeon led the party to significant electoral victories and I wish Humza every success for his forthcoming role as First Minister and in serving the people of Scotland.”
Steven Bonnar, the Coatbridge & Chryston MP, added his well wishes and said: “This is a significant time for Humza and for the SNP and I look forward to working with him along with the rest of the SNP MPs at Westminster.
“The SNP is the only party offering real change from the damage and decline caused by the Tories and pro-Brexit Labour party, who are completely out of touch with Scotland’s interests.”
Constituency colleague Fulton MacGregor MSP said of Mr Yousaf’s leadership election success: “It is a huge achievement, and I would also like to congratulate him on being the first South Asian and first Muslim First Minster of our diverse nation.”
Mr MacGregor, who had announced his backing for Kate Forbes in the party election, said: “Leadership campaigns are an important part of a healthy democracy and I was pleased to see that the election over the last fortnight has been a positive one.
“Despite some diverging policy ideas, all candidates promoted their constructive visions for Scotland. With the campaign now complete, it is of paramount importance that we in the SNP come together as a party, back Humza and continue to work hard to realise Scottish independence.
“It is also important that we unite as a party in order to provide good governance to all living in Scotland as we continue to combat the cost of living crisis which has affected so many people across the country.”
Anum Qaisar, the Airdrie & Shotts MP, said she was “delighted to see Humza elected as leader of the SNP”, saying: “I look forward to seeing him work for the priorities of people across Airdrie & Shotts, Scotland, and building on the success of the SNP’s record in government.
“As Humza continues to work hard paving the way for a progressive Scotland, I will continue to relentlessly focus on the issues that matter most to my constituents – tackling the cost of living and strengthening public services.”
Central Scotland MSP Richard Leonard, the former Scottish Labour leader, said: “Humza Yousaf has said he backs a wealth tax. He should make it his first act, no more delays and no more excuses.”
*Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
