Humza doesn't have a future as SNP leader. Yousaf engulfed by growing party ... trends now
Humza Yousaf has been warned that he has no long-term future as SNP leader as he marks his first year in charge today.
Senior party sources last night said the First Minister faces being forced out if the SNP does as badly as predicted at the general election.
It is understood plans are already being prepared for his early exit amid a confusing election strategy and a series of policy blunders from Bute House.
Insiders believe Mr Yousaf’s many ‘own goals’ are responsible for a downturn in the party’s fortunes, including his handling of the Michael Matheson expenses debacle, botched gender reforms battle and controversial hate crime legislation.
The First Minister’s popularity rating continues to slump in the polls, along with that of his fractured party, as voters demand more focus on priorities such as the NHS, education and the economy. The growing disquiet comes just days after Nationalist MSP Kate Forbes said the party lacks vision and indicated she would be prepared to launch another leadership campaign.
Leadership victory for Mr Yousaf with Ms Regan, left, and Ms Forbes one year ago
A senior party source told the Mail:
‘Everybody, other than one or two of the most ardent acolytes, accepts he is just not in the same league as his two predecessors. And he keeps on getting involved in own goals, the handling of everything is wrong.
‘The expectation is that the UK election result will be bad so the likelihood is there will be resignation calls shortly after a bad result at Westminster. The only question will be, how will people react to that?
‘If we think of the longer term future of the party, Humza Yousaf doesn’t really feature as leader.’
Another senior member said that ‘by the look’ of the polls, MSPs ‘don’t expect Humza to do very well’ and ‘that will be the catalyst to remove him.’
The source added: ‘People feel they have to move delicately in a way they haven’t before. However, if he should fall off his horse, they will be ready.’
Last week, former SNP finance secretary Ms Forbes, who lost out to Mr Yousaf in the party leadership race after Nicola Sturgeon stepped down, told the Holyrood Sources podcast: ‘As much as I back the party and the First Minister, we can only win elections if you have a big vision we can get behind.’
Asked if she would have a tilt at the leadership race again, she said: ‘If the opportunity arises and it is the right thing for the country, the party and my family, I wouldn’t rule it out.’
