Previous contest exposed splits on issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and green policy that next leader must tackle
Humza Yousaf announced his resignation as SNP leader and first minister on Monday after just over a year in post.Humza Yousaf announced his resignation as SNP leader and first minister on Monday after just over a year in post.was narrowly elected leader of the SNP last March, it was after a bruising leadership contest that exposed profound divisions in the party over LGBTQ+ rights, Westminster’s veto of Holyrood law, and environmental and economic policy.
Those fault lines remain just as stark and will demand the new leader’s immediate attention. Just as crucial, in an election year when the SNP is forecast to take heavy losses at the hands of a resurgent Scottish Labour party, is how to communicate that the party is genuinely focused on voters’ concerns as well as rebuilding cross-party trust at Holyrood in minority government.
“Is the party going to remain a broad church that has appeal to middle-class and working-class voters, left and right of centre, bringing together people with a range of views but with the common aim of independence? That’s been entirely possible for a very long time and it’s been a very successful formula.”, what is clear is a desperation for leadership that many feel has been lacking over the past year.
While activists and elected members believe the party has benefitted from Yousaf’s more inclusive leadership style, in comparison with Sturgeon, there has been an increasing frustration at his desire to be all things to all people. In the earlier days of his tenure, there was sympathy as he battled crises not of his own making – in particular,– but latterly there were repeated complaints about a sense of drift, with the promised big ideas from his leadership platform never materialising.
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