ALAN Cumming has backed Humza Yousaf to take over as first minister of Scotland.
The Yes-supporting actor and celebrity used Instagram to endorse Yousaf for SNP leader.
The Health Secretary is in a three-horse race against Kate Forbes and Ash Regan to take over as party chief following the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.
He is currently leading the pack in terms of endorsements from SNP parliamentarians, with the backing of ministers who had been tipped to enter the race themselves including Mairi McAllan, Neil Gray, and Jenny Gilruth.
Yousaf can add Cumming to his list of backers, after the actor wrote on Instagram: “I think this man must be the next leader of Scotland, don’t you?!”
He included a picture of the Health Secretary, and tagged him in the post.
Cumming confirmed to The National that he is an SNP member and will have a vote in the ballot.
On Twitter, Yousaf "liked" a post from this paper reporting on Cumming's decision.
In late January, Cumming hit the headlines after he returned his OBE over "misgivings" surrounding the "toxicity" of the British Empire.
READ MORE: Alan Cumming praised for returning OBE over legacy of monarchy and empire
The Scottish star received the award in 2009 for his activism on equal rights for the gay and lesbian communities in America.
But following conversations around the history of the British Empire, and its "exploitation of indigenous peoples" Cumming decided to hand the honour back.
In an Instagram post to mark his 58th birthday on Friday, the Hollywood actor said he began to "open my eyes" on the monarchy and Britain's empire following the death of the Queen.
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel