Stone says Yousaf resignation shows ‘disarray and lack of focus’ in SNP
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Humza Yousaf’s resignation as First Minister is a consequence of the “disarray and lack of focus” at the heart of the SNP, Jamie Stone has said.
The Liberal Democrat MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross accused Mr Yousaf and his government of “chasing the pipe dream of independence” rather than focusing on the day job.
Humza Yousaf’s decision to quit one year and one month after he took office as First Minister, after it became clear his position had become untenable.
He had lost support in the Scottish Parliament and was facing two motions of no confidence. It followed the collapse of the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Greens.
Mr Stone said: “Humza Yousaf’s resignation is just the latest development in the decline and disintegration of the SNP. After 17 years in government, they have very little to show for it.
“Wherever you look, from healthcare to education to transport, the consequences of disarray and lack of focus are to be found.
“These failures are not just a run of bad luck. This is what happens when a government spends all of its time chasing the pipe dream of independence rather than concentrating on the day job.
“My constituents want to be able to book a GP appointment, to do their banking in person, to access neurological assessments for their kids, to drive on safe roads. What I am hearing on the doorsteps is that everyday people are sick to the teeth of hearing SNP politicians throwing tantrums about independence when they themselves have more than proved they are unable to govern.
“Neither SNP nor the Greens are serious parties of government. It will do the Highlands no good if Yousaf is replaced by another nationalist intent on centralising control.
“What we need is a change of direction from the very top, a change of government in Holyrood.
“Today will be a difficult day for Humza Yousaf, and I thank him for his service in one of the toughest jobs in the world, but his decision to step down today is the right one.”
