Humza Yousaf has come out fighting for his political life, squashing rumours he’s on the verge of quitting and vowing to battle next week’s confidence motion.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, the crisis-ridden First Minister vowed: “I’m not quitting”.
He added: “I’ll be fighting that vote of no confidence”.
Mr Yousaf also said he’s “confident” he can win the parliamentary showdown next Thursday, despite the numbers being on a knife-edge.
Amid rumours last night and this morning that he is considering jumping before he’s pushed, Mr Yousaf said: “I intend absolutely to fight that vote of no confidence and I’m getting on with the day job”.
Asked if he’s a “lame duck leader” he said the accusation is a “tired cliche”.
“The reality is that I’m here delivering on the priorities of the people.”
With the SNP’s 63 MSPs, the vote will come down to the wire.
The Greens, Tories, Labour and LibDem have 64 MSPs between them, leaving Alba’s Ash Regan with the deciding vote.
