Humza Yousaf leaves the press conference after breaking down and taking no questions.

Humza Yousaf announces his resignation at Bute House heraldscotland.com/news/24285360.…

'Independence feels frustratingly close,' says Humza Yousaf

More chaos ahoy. Humza Yousaf does a Sturgeon and announces his intention to resign as FM but not until SNP members (number TBC) have chosen another leader. Stand by for another unedifying dogfight on the cusp of a general election

Note for today: there is no such thing as a caretaker FM/PM. You're either doing the job in full or you're not.
Being an acting leader for a few weeks during a vacancy is something else. But the idea that someone can doggy paddle around Bute House for a couple of years is daft

It would be quite something if the party of a brave new tomorrow turns to someone who last led the SNP 20 years ago and who had to quit after three years following a string of bad election results

John Swinney backing Humza Yousaf for SNP leader. 'Humza is best placed to lead our party because he will strengthen the SNP as a force for progressive change in Scottish politics,' he says.

The thing is, the SNP+Regan don’t have the votes to *implement* any demands, only to block things, so even if this could stop the no confidence vote there would need to be a rapprochement with the Greens (or another party) for Holyrood to pass anything.

To recap:

- The SNP leader kicked the Greens out of Government
- The Greens refuse to share a stage with Alba
- The SNP hates Alba and the feeling is mutual.

But are we told Scotland is ready for a referendum and independence. Really?

Alba has been put 'onto a Scottish Parliament election footing in the event that an early election is required.'

Humza Yousaf insists he's not quitting but shadow boxing is already going on to replace him

Kate Forbes and Jenny Gilruth are the early favourites and have been on the phone to parliamentarians

thetimes.co.uk/article/forbes…

Deep alarm in the SNP at the prospect of Humza Yousaf doing any sort of deal with Alex Salmond.

If he is half-hearted with Alba, they say no. If he caves, there will be a rebellion.

“He’s f***** it,” says one of the FM’s allies.

I'm shocked, shocked

Lorna Slater emphatic on Sunday Show that Humza Yousaf is dead to her and only a new FM can get her approval. Lesson for other parties and future governments: don't f*** with the Scottish Greens

“I think he will survive this vote but I think the damage to his reputation means he will not survive much longer.”

Fergus Ewing will vote to save Humza Yousaf, but believes his days are numbered, come what may…

Alex Salmond knows Humza Yousaf can't do deal with Alba as Salmond wd be seen as backseat driver and brains of the outfit. Intolerable to FM. Hence talk of election planning by Alba NEC today. Salmond the gambler knows all sorts can happen in a chaos election, such as Alba uplift

Ian Blackford apologises to the Scottish Greens and urges them to back the FM and the government at the votes of no confidence in Holyrood this week.

Is that an actual mullet?

So much for it being Ash Regan's decision