- By Glenn Campbell
- Political Editor, BBC Scotland
3 hours ago
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Humza Yousaf will face several challenges in his new job
Humza Yousaf faces enormous challenges as he succeeds Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and Scotland’s First Minister.
Being the leader of a divided nation and a divided party is difficult.
The narrowness of his win doesn’t make it any easier.
In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the “bloody” nature of the leadership campaign and called for the divisions to be overcome quickly.
To a certain extent, that will depend on what he does next.
He will have to consider carefully whether to give government posts to his losing rivals and, if so, which posts he is offering.
One of his supporters told me to expect “generosity of spirit”.
After beating Kate Forbes by 52% to 48%, she enjoys a sizeable following in the party.
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Humza Yousaf defeated Ash Regan and Kate Forbes in the leadership contest
Would he like to acknowledge that with a really big job? In that case, the most obvious upgrade would be from her current role as Finance and Economy Minister to Deputy First Minister.
This is not a prediction. Just an observation. I assume that whatever Kate Forbes is offered, she would want a fair degree of autonomy if she is to remain in government.
If he can come to terms with her, it could help ease tensions.
As the leadership contest began, Humza Yousaf appeared determined to challenge that position in court. More recently, he has allowed a little more leeway by saying he would be guided by the legal advice he receives.
While his fellow Greens seek a robust approach, it could fuel lasting divisions within his own party. Careful handling is required.
Humza Yousaf noted in his acceptance speech that achieving independence is the common goal that unites the SNP.
While that is essentially true, it may not be the only factor. The electoral success and strong leadership of Alex Salmond and then Nicola Sturgeon also seem to have had a binding effect on me.
It is not yet clear if Humza Yousaf can hold her grip.
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Humza Yousaf is the current Health Minister
His approach to the independence issue will also be important.
While he has distanced himself from the idea of using the next election as a backup referendum, he has promised to renew demands for the UK government to give Holyrood the power to hold a vote.
That may help underscore his commitment to the cause, but it probably won’t change Rishi Sunak’s response, which was to downvote indyref2.
He also risks sending a mixed message to the wider Scottish public.
Humza Yousaf has vowed to be a first minister for all in Scotland and to earn the trust and respect of those who are unconvinced of independence by governing well and focusing on shared priorities.
If he is first to formally call for another independence referendum, he will have a hard time convincing some that he is serious about those commitments.
He has said dealing with the pressure on the cost of living and getting the NHS back on track will be his first concerns.
Those are two more major challenges that suggest the new prime minister’s honeymoon in office, if he gets one, could be particularly short.
Having been elected leader of the Scottish National Party, we ask – who is Humza Yousaf?