Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvie - Scottish Green Party co-leaders

The Scottish Greens have confirmed they will be supporting the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf as First Minister. The news follows the SNP leadership contest in which Yousaf defeated other contenders Kate Forbes and Ash Regan. Yousaf received 52 per cent of the vote to Forbes’ 48 per cent in the election.

A meeting of the Scottish Green Party Council unanimously voted to support Yousaf becoming First Minister and for the Greens to continue their role in government. The Greens have held ministerial office in the SNP led government in Scotland for almost two years, following the signing of the Bute House Agreement.

The Scottish Parliament is expected to vote on a new First Minister tomorrow. With the combined votes of the SNP and the Scottish Greens, Yousaf will have a majority of votes in the Parliament.

Following Yousaf’s election as SNP leader, Scottish Green Co-leader Patrick Harvie MSP said: “We congratulate Humza Yousaf on his election and look forward to building on the successes of the last 18 months.

“Our Council and MSPs met this afternoon and they voted unanimously to continue with the Bute House Agreement and to support his nomination as First Minister when a vote takes place tomorrow.

“This overwhelming endorsement of our arrangement will allow us to continue with the progressive, collaborative politics we know can help deliver a fairer, greener and more equal Scotland for all.”

Lorna Slater, the party’s other co-leader, said: “The scale of support in our party is a tribute to the success of the positive and progressive agenda in the Bute House Agreement which has been supported by Humza Yousaf in his successful campaign.

“Climate justice and equality are at the heart of our shared vision, and we are delighted to be working with Humza Yousaf on delivering on our shared co-operation agreement.”

Prior to the conclusion of the SNP leadership contest, the Greens had said their continued participation in government was contingent on the new leader sharing the party’s “progressive values”.

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Image credit: Scottish Green Party