In recent developments, Nicola Sturgeon, the former first minister, was found engaged in deep discussions with top ministers from the SNP. This occurred around the same time Humza Yousaf, amid fears that Alex Salmond might regain dominance over the SNP, left his position.
Heavyweights within the party had already decided on John Swinney as the successor even before the formal resignation of the First Minister.
Inside sources reveal that Yousaf’s departure mainly resulted from the anxiety Sturgeon’s followers felt upon learning about his planned meeting with Ash Regan from Alba.
It has been revealed that three days prior to the resignation of the First Minister, plans were already being formed to replace Yousaf with Swinney. Moreover, Sturgeon reportedly attempted to persuade the Greens to withdraw their support for a no-confidence motion. At the same time, she was conversing with other key SNP leaders during the crisis.
Upon the Greens’ dismissal from the government, the SNP ministers celebrated with table-thumping cheers.
Stephen Flynn, the leader at Westminster, pushed for the abandonment of the Greens. If he were to lose his seat in the House of Commons, he has displayed interest in assuming the role of the SNP leader.
Humza announced his intention to stand down as Scotland’s First Minister last week (Image: Getty Images)
Robin McAlpine, from the Common Weal think tank, explained, “His departure was mainly due to the establishment machine’s suspicion of his lack of hostility towards Alba. They got rid of him in no time.”
Last week, John Swinney declared his intentions to run for the SNP leadership.
“For those in control of the SNP, which include Sturgeon, Swinney, Angus Robertson, and others, their absolute disdain for Salmond is glaringly evident,” a senior government official disclosed. “This influential group is hell-bent on preventing any potential rise in Salmond’s influence.”
Intriguingly, Alex Salmond recently participated in a March for Independence from Kelvingrove Park to Glasgow Green.
As the situation developed, Yousaf made an attempt to seek “common ground” with leaders of the other parties in the wake of the no-confidence vote. However, his pleas fell on deaf ears. Despite this, several lines of communication remained open between him and Ash Regan. Behind the scenes though, this move resulted in significant ire among senior party members concerned about the possible return of Salmond.
After a failed appeal to the Greens for their support, the former first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, set in motion plans for Yousaf’s replacement with Swinney. Yousaf was forced to step down, and Swinney was the chosen one. Thereafter, Sturgeon made an appearance at Holyrood and rejected the rumours of her clandestine involvement in the leadership contest.
A top member close to Nicola Sturgeon disclosed, “Despite the termination of Bute House Agreement, cordial relationships can still be maintained. It’s quite common for Nicola to interact with colleagues and ex-colleagues.”
A spokesperson for the SNP vindicated Yousaf’s decision to step down as First Minister and SNP leader, underscoring that retaining his values and principles was more important than holding on to power.
