Humza’s latest gaffe has cost him a finance secretary
dear oh dear It appears that Scotland’s newly elected, slip-up-prone First Minister has made another mistake. Shortly after it was announced that Shona Robison, former Social Justice Secretary – and Sturgeon’s old friend – would become his deputy, Humza Yousaf spoke to Kate Forbes about her place in his new cabinet. The former finance minister, who was widely expected to get her a top job, if only for appearances, was far from happy when he proposed demoting her to rural affairs. In fact, she was so dissatisfied that she reportedly told FM “where to put it” and promptly resigned from government. So much for party unity.
Yousaf’s questionable decision-making has not escaped the scrutiny of astute political commentators or even his own supporters. It’s safe to say they’re less than impressed…
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“If it’s true that Humza offered a major demotion to a woman who supported almost half his party, let alone the majority of voters, then that’s a really stupid start to his tenure,” writes journalist Ruth Wishart.
‘[It is] an inexplicable own goal for “Team SNP,” grumbled comedian Fred MacAuley, while commentator Euan McColm summed it up: “What a Dunderheid move.”
As reported by Kieran Andrews of the Just, even Yousaf’s own supporters grimaced. “If he had gotten 70 percent [of the vote] that’s fine, but that’s clumsy,” said one, while others called the move “politically flat-footed.”
“What cheek,” a senior SNP figure exclaimed about the offer. “This move comes like a cold to the members,” says another.
Former SNP minister Alex Neil has called the offer an “insult,” while ex-Politician Joan McAlpine has called the move “so obviously a downgrade,” leaving Forbes “no choice but to leave.”
And while SNP MP Joanna Cherry reacts to Forbes’ resignation – “what a shame” – political commentator Kenny Farquharson writes soberly: “FM to oust Forbes is a sign of weakness, not strength. I would respectfully suggest that keeping 48 percent of your party on the side is more important than turning to the Greens.’
Meanwhile, Westminster leader Stephen Flynn still insists that the notion that the SNP is “perpetually divided” is “not true”. Optimistic to the end, right?