Anas Sarwar questions Humza Yousaf mandate to lead Scotland and brands SNP 'chaotic and divided'

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Anas Sarwar has called into question Humza Yousaf’s mandate as he repeated demands for an early Holyrood election.The Scottish Labour leader was reacting to the conclusion of the SNP leadership race which saw the Health Secretary edge out Kate Forbes to succeed Nicola Sturgeon.Sarwar questioned whether Yousaf would prioritise the cost-of-living crisis ahead of pushing for Scottish independence.And other opposition party leaders offered lukewarm reactions to the result of the SNP leadership race.Sarwar said: "While I question his mandate and the SNP’s record, it is important to reflect on the election of what will be the first first minister from an ethnic minority background."Regardless of your politics, this is a significant moment for Scotland."But while Scotland faces the twin crises of the cost of living and the NHS emergency, it is clear that the SNP does not have the answers that Scotland needs."This chaotic and divided party is out of touch and out of ideas."Humza Yousaf has inherited the SNP’s woeful record, but he has not inherited Nicola Sturgeon’s mandate.“We need an election now and Scottish Labour is the change that Scotland needs.”Keir Starmer sent his congratulations to Humza Yousaf following his victory. "The first first minister of an ethnic minority background is a significant moment for Scotland," he said.“The SNP do not have the answers on the NHS or on the cost-of-living crisis.

Only Labour can provide the change that Scotland needs."The Scottish Greens said they hoped Yousaf would "build on the legacy of his predecessors"The party and the SNP have governed together since August 2021, when Lorna Slater and Patrick Harvey were made junior ministers by Nicola Sturgeon.In a statement after Yousaf’s