HUMZA Yousaf has insisted he is not ruling out an early Holyrood election as he looks to survive two no-confidence votes in the Scottish Parliament.
The Scots Tories first announced a no-confidence vote in Yousaf as First Minister on Thursday. If it passes, Yousaf would be under immense pressure but there would be no legal obligation for him to step down.
On Friday, Scottish Labour’s Anas Sarwar said he would lodge a motion of no confidence in the Scottish Government. If this succeeds, Yousaf and all of his ministers would be obliged to resign under the Scotland Act 1998, which established the Holyrood parliament.
READ MORE: Will Humza Yousaf have to resign as First Minister if he loses no-confidence vote?
If a new first minister is not named within 28 days, then an early Holyrood election is triggered.
Speaking to Channel 4 on Friday, Yousaf insisted he would continue as First Minister if he won the no-confidence votes, even if only by a single MSP.
However, he said he was not ruling out an early Holyrood election.
He said: “We've got a General Election this year. We're ready, prepared, in good fighting condition for that General Election.
“I wish it was sooner rather than, it seems like it will be later.”
"I wouldn't rule out an election."
— Channel 4 News (@Channel4News) April 26, 2024
First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf tells @KathrynSamsonC4 he is 'intending to win' a vote of no-confidence against him but wouldn't rule out a Holyrood election. pic.twitter.com/BoOzpMFfFw
Pressed on whether the SNP would fight an early Holyrood election, Yousaf went on: “I certainly wouldn't rule out an election.
“I'm intending to win the vote of no confidence, but I wouldn’t rule out a Holyrood election.
“We're on election footing and we’re prepared if that's required.”
The next Scottish parliament election is due to take place in 2026.
Recent polling has suggested it could be a tight race between the SNP and Labour, although Yousaf's party tend to hold a slight advantage.
The dramatic rhetoric follows Yousaf terminating, with immediate effect, the powersharing deal the SNP had with the Scottish Greens at Holyrood for almost three years.
The move left his partners so angry they announced they would vote against the First Minister in a vote of no confidence in his leadership tabled by the Tories, which is expected to be debated and voted on next week.
Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said it is “pretty clear” Yousaf will not be able to unite Holyrood – urging the SNP to consider finding a replacement for him.
But when asked if he will resign due to the pressure he is under, Yousaf told the PA news agency: “When the vote comes I fully intend to win.”
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