Humza Yousaf latest: SNP leader breaks down as he announces resignation

Ian Blackford, the former Westminster leader of the Scottish National Party and MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, said John Swinney “has what it takes” to lead the SNP.

Speaking to the BBC, he said: “He certainly is an individual that I believe carries widespread respect in the party across the Parliament, and indeed the country, a long experience.

“So I think someone that has operated right through the period of the SNP being in government, of course, as deputy leader under Nicola Sturgeon.

“I think, if anyone has the qualities, the capabilities to lead us not just in the short term, but right through the electoral cycle, then John has these characteristics.”

He continued: “In terms of where we are here, and the leadership that we need to show, showing that we can win in the Scottish Parliament, get our legislative programme through, fight the Westminster election and then go into the Scottish election in 2026, John is the man that I think has what it takes to lead us.”