SNP councillors in Moray pledge support to Humza Yousaf's bid to become First Minister
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A NUMBER of Moray SNP councillors have backed Humza Yousaf's bid to become the party's next leader.
The group's co-leader Graham Leadbitter (Elgin City South) was joined by four councillors in expressing his support for Mr Yousaf's bid to become First Minister.
Mr Yousaf is competing against Ash Regan and Kate Forbes for the leadership, with the winner to take over from the departing Nicola Sturgeon.
Endorsing his leadership bid, Cllr Leadbitter described Mr Yousaf as "knowledgeable and hard-working".
“I have campaigned with Humza on numerous occasions and welcomed him to Moray when he has visited as a minister," he said.
“He is a knowledgeable, hard-working and cares passionately about Scotland and its people.
“Humza has the ability and experience to lead the SNP and to take Scotland forward by becoming our First Minister."
Cllr Leadbitter's support was backed by Jérémie Fernandes (Elgin City North), Theresa Coull (Keith and Cullen) and John Stuart and Sonya Warren (both Buckie).
Councillor Jérémie Fernandes
“I will be voting for Humza because I trust that he will continue to fight for an inclusive, socially-just independent Scotland.
“I am very heartened by Humza’s plans to take radical action to tackle the housing pressures in rural Scotland, such as buying up empty rural homes to give them to key workers, and to allow councils to increase taxes on second homes.
“These are the kind of ideas Moray and Scotland need, and I have every confidence Humza will deliver.”
Councillor John Stuart
“Humza will stand side-by-side with the people of Scotland, and would develop more than just 'tolerance' between us all.
"Tolerance is not enough, and Humza will celebrate our individuality and rights in an equal way.
“I welcome Humza's confirmation that he will legally challenge Westminster's section 35, which has blocked the democratic rights made by our MSPs on the Gender recognition reform.
“I don't want us to just tolerate each other, I want to celebrate as a nation of Scotland's people."
Councillor Sonya Warren
“Humza has the understanding of the challenges of being in a minority as demonstrated by his pledge to commit to equality and fairness for all.
“He also recognises the need to harness talent from everyone. That’s why I am backing Humza.”
Councillor Theresa Coull
“Humza Yousaf was elected to Parliament in 2011. He has grown with the SNP and understands the way the party works.
“Through his present and previous roles, he has the experience to lead. Humza will listen to the grassroots members in taking policies and leading us towards independence."
