Moray MSP pays tribute to departing First Minister Humza Yousaf
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MORAY MSP Richard Lochhead has paid tribute to Humza Yousaf following the First Minister’s resignation announcement this afternoon.
Mr Yousaf’s announcement comes after the collapse of the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Greens.
He held the position for 13 months but will stand aside once a successor has been found.
Mr Lochhead described the First Minister’s statement, made at Bute House in Edinburgh, as “typically gracious, dignified and understandably emotional”.
He added: “There’s no doubt he has had a difficult job in these past months and I thank him for his service.
“He can be especially proud of the leadership he showed on the war in Gaza, at a time of great personal worry, which has been recognised internationally.
“This has been a sad day for my party and for the government, but the First Minister has always done what he thought was right for our country and has demonstrated that again by taking the decision to stand aside.
“Humza has had to lead the government and country against an incredibly challenging backdrop – leadership has never been tougher and as he said himself, politics can be brutal.
“Scotland is full of potential and we must now work hard to provide strong leadership and vision for the country - to make the most of opportunities for the economy and to make our country a fairer place.
“We owe that to the people of Scotland.”
