SNP looks to unity candidate after Humza Yousaf quits as first minister

Humza Yousaf has quit as Scotland’s first minister to clear the way for a new leader capable of giving the Scottish National party stability after a series of damaging crises.

During a dramatic day largely orchestrated by party managers, Yousaf announced he would step down as first minister just as a veteran former leader, John Swinney, quickly emerged as the favourite to succeed him.

In a hastily arranged speech in Edinburgh, Yousaf admitted he had triggered the crisis by unilaterally scrapping a coalition deal with the Scottish Greens four days ago.

His decision led to the Greens demanding Yousaf’s resignation, and triggered two no confidence motions tabled by opposition parties which threatened to bring the Scottish government down.

“After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party, for the government and for the country I lead, I’ve concluded that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm,” Yousaf said in an at times emotional statement at Bute House, the first minister’s official residence.

Party dealmakers expect they can persuade Kate Forbes, the former finance secretary, to stand aside in Swinney’s favour, to avoid another bruising leadership contest that could further damage the SNP’s popularity so close to a general election.