Scottish Greens unanimously back Humza Yousaf for first minister

The Scottish Greens have reasserted their support for the Bute House Agreement after Humza Yousaf was named the new leader of the SNP.

The party entered a power-sharing agreement following the 2021 election, when the SNP fell one seat short of a majority.

The move took the Greens into government for the first time, with co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater gaining ministerial positions.

Sturgeon's departure raised questions about whether the deal would continue, as a result of differences on policy around gender recognition reform between the Greens and SNP leadership hopefuls Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

In a meeting of its council, the Scottish Greens Party has now unanimously voted to continue with the Bute House Agreement - and to back Yousaf as first minister.

The decision means Yousaf, who must face a vote of MSPs to enter Bute House, is set to succeed in that vote tomorrow.

Harvie 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."

 Slater added: "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."