‘Failures and unfulfilled promises’: Highland opposition MSPs react to Humza Yousaf resignation
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While his party colleagues rallied to show sympathy for former First Minister Humza Yousaf as he stepped down today, opposition politicians were just as quick to roll-out a roll-call of, from their point of view, his failures in office.
Highlands Conservative MSP Edward Mountain also talked of the significance for this region in particular of Mr Yousaf’s departure.
“The resignation of the First Minister has a huge significance for the Highlands,” he said. “He has overseen a number of failings which directly impact life in our communities.
“He halted the investment in maternity services and GP practices, there was a shocking lack of progress on dualling the A9 and A96, and no investment in our schools.
“What’s more, the delays to a new prison continued and the state of affairs around island ferries remains abysmal. Describing his term in office as a failure would be an understatement and I am glad the Scottish Conservatives ensured he resigned.
“We should not forget this government is not out of the woods yet and the vote of no confidence in them could well see an election.
SNP MSPs pay tribute to Humza Yousaf’s ‘dignified and emotional’ resignation
Humza Yousaf and the Highlands
“I welcome the opportunity to stand on my record as a champion of local issues, and I doubt that any SNP candidate would relish the challenge as much as I would.”
His Conservative colleague Jamie Halcro Johnston said Mr Yousaf's time in office had been marked by failed legislation and unfulfilled promises.
He also said there was little to suggest that a change of leadership in the SNP would bring any change for the Highlands and Islands.
"Humza Yousaf's fate was sealed when he bungled his sacking of the Scottish Greens and imploded his own government,” he said.
"While Yousaf may have hoped Alex Salmond could save him, it's clear he can't scramble enough support to defeat the Vote of No Confidence motion by Douglas Ross and the Scottish Conservatives later this week.
"His short time in office will be remembered for a series of legislative failures and unfulfilled promises to the Highlands and Islands, most notably the delayed dualling of the A9, cuts to vital hospital projects, declining educational standards in our schools, a growing ferries crisis, and worsening financial pressures on local councils.
"However, there's little to suggest that a change of leadership in the SNP offers anything better for the Highlands and Islands.
“They have used their 17 years in power to try and impose HPMAs (highly protected marine areas), DRS (deposit return scheme), Gender Reform and other ill-considered legislation, with little consideration for the impact that will have on our rural and island communities.
"The SNP will remain an independence-obsessed central belt-focused party which offers nothing to the Highlands and Islands."
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant said: “I wish Humza Yousaf and his family well, but this was never about one person. The SNP Government, collectively, with or without the Scottish Greens has let the Highlands and Islands down badly, with regard to transport, roads, ferries and public services. The region is now worse off than it was before they came into Government.
“That is why Scottish Labour tabled a motion of no confidence in the whole Government because we do not see how only a change of leadership will improve the situation. In our region we desperately need a Government with vision and the ability to act in the public good rather than chasing their own pet projects.”
