Connor Gillies: Humza Yousaf to Refuse Electoral Pact with Alex Salmond’s Party, Sky News Understands

In a dramatic turn of events in Scottish politics, Humza Yousaf, the first minister of Scotland, is set to refuse an electoral pact with Alex Salmond’s Alba party. This decision comes as Alba’s only MSP, Ash Regan, is expected to make demands for the SNP to step aside in some Scottish seats to allow Alba candidates to be elected.

The Alba party, led by former first minister Alex Salmond, holds the deciding vote in a crucial vote of no confidence in Yousaf at Holyrood this week. The outcome of this vote hangs in the balance, with tensions running high between the two parties.

Yousaf’s refusal to enter into an electoral pact with Alba comes after the Greens were sacked from their powersharing government arrangement with the SNP. This move has sparked anger among the Greens, who have vowed not to support Yousaf in the upcoming vote of no confidence.

In an exclusive interview with Sky News, Yousaf hinted at the possibility of a Scottish election, stating that it “can’t be ruled out” amidst the chaos in Scottish politics. He has reached out to the leaders of all Scottish political parties in an attempt to salvage a minority government.

However, the Conservatives have rejected any suggestion of supporting Yousaf, while Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar believes it is only a matter of time before the first minister steps down. With a tight vote expected at Holyrood this week, the future of Yousaf’s leadership hangs in the balance.

Alba has indicated that they may demand a pact that would see only one pro-independence candidate standing in each constituency. However, a source close to Yousaf has firmly stated that this will not happen, setting the stage for a showdown between the two parties.

As tensions escalate and the fate of the Scottish government hangs in the balance, all eyes are on Holyrood this week as the political drama unfolds.