MSP hails new SNP leader and First Minister Humza Yousaf
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THE election of Humza Yousaf as the new SNP leader and First Minister have been welcomed by a north-east MSP.
Mr Yousaf was unveiled as the party's new boss on Monday, March 27 following the surprise resignation of Nicola Sturgeon MSP.
He went on to emerge victorious from a three-way tussle for the post with Kate Forbes MSP and Ash Regan MSP, defeating Ms Forbes in the second round by 26,032 to 23,890, with Ms Regan dropping out after the first round with 5599.
Mr Yousaf's victory was hailed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast SNP MSP Karen Adam, who had backed his bid for the leadership.
She said: “I am delighted to have Humza Yousaf as our new SNP leader and First Minister of Scotland.
“Humza has shown utter commitment to delivering for the north-east of Scotland, already, he was part of the Government that are rolling out the £500 million Just Transition Fund for the north-east and Moray, and pledging £250,000 for a feasibility study on the prospect of bringing rail links back to Peterhead, Fraserburgh and Ellon.
"Humza has also confirmed that he will engage with the Campaign for North East Rail to see where the Scottish Government have scope to go further in delivering for the campaign’s aims.
“With his strong track record in government, his ambition to make the north-east of Scotland the net-zero capital of Europe and the world shows he has the vision, drive and ambition to deliver for Banffshire and Buchan Coast and our north-east corner.
“Humza’s vast experience of occupying a variety of posts in government shows how he understands the most challenging issues both at home and abroad. As the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, it was Humza who led in negotiations which meant Scotland has been the only nation in the UK to stave off industrial strike action, safeguarding our NHS and the health and wellbeing of people accessing their right to free healthcare.
“Our European values are also reflected in Humza’s leadership where he has committed to doing everything he can to build support for independence and deliver an independent Scotland as part of the European family of nations.
“Businesses are also set to benefit as Humza will introduce a dedicated Small Business and Innovation Minister into Government. His priorities are about protecting Scotland from the damage being inflicted from the UK government while strengthening our economy and position on the world stage as we seek to become an independent country.
“The results of the SNP’s leadership contest has solidified the SNP as a progressive party that believes in delivering a wellbeing economy designed to deliver for the people of Banffshire and Buchan Coast, the north-east, and our nation.”
