Alex Salmond reacts: Humza Yousaf steps down as leader of the SNP

“I do feel for him. I’ve been there. I know how difficult it is, so I wish him and his family well for the future.”
Alex Salmond tells Times Radio Humza Yousaf “inherited the poisoned chalice”, as the SNP descended into “misgovernment.”
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[@Supergeologist]

So will they now get rid of that ridiculous hate law?

[@Puffball-ll1ly]

I doubt that very much

[@nathanbrammer8471]

Labour voted for that and people need to remember that, Scottish Labour are no better than the SNP, only the Tories and Alba are against it, so if you want that Law repealed vote for them.

[@georgemorrison6689]

They will never loss the hate law because it will be suiting the police to have this up their sleeve,

[@user-cl5yt8yt5d]

Once a government has a speech power it takes an awful lot to get them to give it up.

[@blueknight07]

​@@nathanbrammer8471 Who would vote Tory now? Seriously, they've destroyed the country.

[@orangefield100]

“ These are my principles and if you don’t like them I’ve got others !” Well said Dumza .

[@arcoffice5778]

Greens didn’t think this through did they? Neither did Eck !!’

[@davidthomson4102]

Step one,Humza gone, step two a vote of no confidence in the Scottish government and a fresh election for the people of Scotland

[@stuartstevenson5341]

step 2 should be that nasty little bill being repealled. Period.

[@colinjames2469]

@@stuartstevenson5341 Aye!

[@1967deek]

Which the SNP will probably be the largest party.

[@frankcouper9377]

​@@1967deek Unionist parties are expected to have the most seats = Independence is on ice.

[@user-cl5yt8yt5d]

Step 3 abolish Blair's disastrous devolution plan

[@nancystewart5370]

Gee he likes blowing his own trumpet 😮

[@davidbarr9343]

He is a TRUMPET. A lot of noise and no tune.😂🇬🇧

[@dademags77]

So transparent you unionists.

[@kitfrew9983]

Old sleepy cuddle ,another one thst thought he could do as he pleases while in office.

[@dademags77]

@@kitfrew9983 you mean like the Westminster lot?

[@unendedquest.14U]

He's got to blow his own trumpet. His ninety year old missus cannae manage anymore. Run out off Puff.

[@maxdamage8435]

Should have been kicked out with no future financial benefits !

[@leslie-annmills-gomez8763]

Why? If Boris and Truss could enjoy the benefits of their 💩 show, why can't he? Oh, I know why? He's the wrong colour, my bad....🤡

[@markeden9817]

How many councillors did your lot get in England? They don’t want Tories never mind the your far right version of them.

[@kevinrobb86]

Now hold an election and get him out of politics altogether

[@wordforever117]

We have never had an SNP first minister who left office without having to resign.

[@davidbarr9343]

😂😂😂😂😂🇬🇧

[@irenetaylopr8041]

That speaks volumes for the values of the SNP

[@katrinabryce]

The only other ways to leave office are to lose an election, which they haven't done yet, though watch this space, or to die. Donald Dewar (Labour) died in office, and Jack McConnell lost an election.

[@normajanewhamond1615]

They are all puppets no matter what they do government or what country

[@jaymontgom]

in fairness, there has only been one first minister to leave office as a result of an election in the 24 years of the office's existence. jack mcconnell (labour) 2007.

[@robert-gs4ih]

Wee Eck had his chance. The independence issue has been put back years by the SNP's mishandling of the government of Scotland and the corruption that the SNP can't hide any more.

[@mikeclifford7740]

What corruption

[@robert-gs4ih]

@@mikeclifford7740 there are 600,000 reasons you should look in to that.

[@Millie.com232]

Ha ha ha big Alex! Going round the studios brimming with glee and confidence over the weekend. “The kingmaker” he saw himself as. 😂 Back to Russian TV

[@Purple_flower09]

Trump doesn't take his calls now.

[@irishstew9951]

Oh no a man that never should have been running a country messed the place up and is now running away without consequences whom could have seen this coming it's shocking i tell ya

[@stephenbrierley8122]

We have had salmon, sturgeon and hummus 🤔 What's on the menu next?Miss steak?

[@stevec6232]

Haddock

[@m.bowyer5045]

I thank you.👏👏

[@unendedquest.14U]

Cullen Skink?.

[@brianmutch7536]

You can do one as well ...eejit

[@wazkiedi]

Independence is not an "immediate priority". Schools, NHS, economy, roads... These are the immediate priorities. Prove yourself first then ask for more power

[@DavidHoodEdinburgh]

We don't 'get' a Referendum. The people in Scotland are sovereign, period. We can and should declare what we want, and when.

[@frankcouper9377]

That's not how it works 😂 Hijack politics doesn't work, the SNP know this and certainly won't consider it. A further Scottish independence referendum can only be granted via a section 30 order. And that, clearly, won't be happening.

[@daysofgrace2934]

You have the right to self determination that is enshrined in UN resolutions

[@jamestheman1962]

@@frankcouper9377 Oh but that is how it works,as stated in the UN as stated in the comment prior to mine.

[@frankcouper9377]

​@jamestheman1962 I thought this had been put to bed along with the UDI nonsense. The current SNP policy is to pursue a future independence referendum through the previous process.

[@Pennyburn1688]

Once in a GENERATION wee eck🤔. Oh and by the way..... Everybody hates you! 😜

[@ianoliver7271]

Salmond, Sturgeon and Yousaf, three of the worst leaders Scotland has had to suffer. For Christ's sake give us another parliamentary election and oust the SNP for good!!

[@AG-ni8jm]

Lemme guess: Scottish Tory?

[@dademags77]

What utter nonsense

[@FionaHedges]

agreed All 3 are corrupt esp Salmond the sexual predator

[@malcolmhouston7932]

Useless being the discription of the previous two Fishy Characters.

[@Guttlegob]

Longer NHs waisting times than England. Worse schools. rising proverty. Only accomplishment the SNP has done is 1.) Ban log burners in new builds in the Scottish highlands. (Were they need it most) 2.) Cannot buy alcohol before 10am and after 10pm 3.) Possibility of going to jail for several years for what you say IN YOUR OWN home!! 4) Allowing male rapists in female prisons. Have I missed anything?

[@Arhimith]

Congrats, JKR! Well played!

[@unendedquest.14U]

J. K. R. The best first Minister we never had.

[@ABC-rh7zc]

The tissue he cried into... WHITE

[@user-ne6pq8cw9q]

On yer bike Humza and try not to fall off

[@johnsuncle888]

Salmond cannot hide his delight at being back in the limelight. What an ego!

[@johnoneill2084]

One of the few downsides to the disintegration of the SNP, the humiliation of those crazy Greens and blow to the nationalist cause is the wall to wall return of this arrogant individual. He is every bit as bad as the rest of them.

[@mikeclifford7740]

I believe he plotted to bring down the SNP. Whether I'm right or not I don't know. But I've been under that impression for a few years now.

[@mcdon2401]

​@@mikeclifford7740 he did spend rather a lot of time being the loose canon that Sturgeon feared to confront. Anyone else would have been ruthlessly slapped down, but he got to be the first call for an opinion on everything the SNP did. He just can't bear to be ignored.

[@goodluck-mx4qr]

I remember in the 1980s after an election "Alex Salmond" came on TV, STV it was and called voters idiots for not voting for him, the anger and venom by this man insulting me and others like me that never voted for him live on TV.

[@philiprufus4427]

Was that the year after he renaighed on The Deal with Callaghan's government,giving Scotland 'Her Whom Some ScotsLove To Hate,' hoping the devestation caused would create a home run for him. Looks like The Scots did not Come Up The Clyde in an Old Tin Can. De industrialisation did not have to be done so ruthlessly in my opinion in Scotland or England, many had given the best part of their lives to industry.

[@bigpete4227]

He's no saints that's for sure. But he's a player.

[@michaelobrien9825]

SALMOND IS UNELECTABLE NOW NOW CONSIDERING HIS WAYS IN THE PAST.

[@goodluck-mx4qr]

@@bigpete4227 I had another name for him with a capital P.

[@RevGary]

​@@goodluck-mx4qrI don't believe a word of what you just said 🤡

[@Campbellero]

The brexit divorce is 8yrs old and counting, with the UK suffering the fallout for generations. A divorce from the 320yr Union would be far more painful, take far longer, and with the current crop of talentless fools in the Scottish Parliament, an impossible task. No chance. Next!

[@Letsgetiton41]

They are suffering because Brexit wasn't properly implemented by our traitor politicians what is it with you do good EU loving slave's go and live in Europe if you're not happy.

[@mikeclifford7740]

What is it about Scottish people that makes you believe we are unable to run our own country?

[@bl4531]

In the current political climate the united kingdom needs to be that- united. You all have a common cause to ​'deal with'. There is strength in numbers . Also, if you're all divided it makes things easier for them.youre far more formidable together. When you are divided they see you as weaker and plays right into their hands. @@mikeclifford7740

[@lfordspiers]

Great news!!🎉

[@hamshanksproductions7161]

Salmond showing his desperation. He was shat all over by them but still supports them for the sake of power....

[@jimmymcdonald426]

True

[@TheKARMMARK]

At least Humza can take a break and get off in the SNP camper van for a holiday.

[@orangefield100]

……to GAZA. !!

[@annefox6552]

Humza loves Palestine. He can take that dodgy Camper there..

[@mcdon2401]

Is that not still in the care of Police Scotland?

[@TheKARMMARK]

@@mcdon2401 I am not sure. Last I heard it was being used to ferry around the campaign donations they got and had been involved in a number of large FX deals from somewhere in Orkney. You just could not make it up....

[@ScottishPixie87]

🤣🤣🤣BYEEE Humza …..thought u said u wouldn’t stand down 😂

[@neils4886]

The latest poll for independence (April 2024) puts 47% in favour of independence, and FALLING.

[@hooch304]

I see Swinney is standing for the leadership, the perfect cure for insomnia.

[@Purple_flower09]

Safe pair of hands until a proper leader is found.

[@hooch304]

@@Purple_flower09 I suspect his ego would not allow him to take the job on a temporary basis until a new charismatic leader comes along.

[@Cold_Logic]

"His surname wasn't a species of fish...he had to go!!"

[@aaronmicalowe]

Sorry to say, Alex, but people who want independence aren't getting behind Alba. They're more likely to vote Labour to push SNP out and then start again from scratch. You had your chance but just didn't have the chemistry between you and the people.

[@mikeclifford7740]

That's probably why he's brought the SNP crashing down

[@Purple_flower09]

​@@mikeclifford7740 Salmond is a Trump lover too.

[@Baddad36]

King Eck - never one to be modest. Let's not forget though he's a yesterday man, a failed politician rightly booted out by the electorate.

[@uriurg9857]

Great news!

[@KeithGriffiths]

I watched live Yousaf didn't come out of the office to declare he could not handle the pressure, he stayed in the office with a private group of reporters who were there by invitation only and broadcast via Bute House. He didn't have the confidence to come out and speak to the people or reporters.

[@hooch304]

Well no matter who takes over the leadership the SNP will be controlled by two green MSP’s who are more concerned about pronouns than improving the environment. What a pantomime.

[@distinctlyaveragecyclist]

Seven! The Green Party of Scotland have seven members of parliament.

[@boogboog8097]

There is no problem with the environment in Scotland the country is 80% countryside very little industrial processes going on the greens have no purpose and are really marxist extremists working to undermine our culture hence their loony zealot pushing of gender ideology.

[@Susan-py9qh]

Trust Salmond, he should have stayed retired.

[@delhog6161]

I bet Alex thought he was a bit fishy!

[@col403]

Sunak

[@davidhendrie9455]

Most people up here are sick of hearing about independence, we want our country functioning again.

[@graybeaton881]

We won't know how true that is till there's another referendum. Its coming onto a decade. We need to start agreeing that if once in a generation IS the measure, then August 2032 could be agreed today.

[@davidhendrie9455]

@@graybeaton881let’s hope for an election soon and we’ll see how the land lies.

[@mikeclifford7740]

Like England works ?

[@malcolmhouston7932]

With such a small population, one wonders why Scotland thinks it would be better off independent- like petulant teenagers who then survive with the "Bank of Mum and Dad" because they have no way of successfully going it alone.

[@Guttlegob]

​@@graybeaton881Most people voted against independence the first time

[@willalm830]

Labour are laughing

[@unendedquest.14U]

Laughing all the way to the Debt!.

[@FishingFan2]

The only reason the SNP draw large numbers is because of the Independence angle. If they didn't the SNP would be nothing. Scotland like England is a divided nation simply because the Politicians care more about themselves than the people and the country they represent.

[@RR-sp3ey]

At least the SNP stand for change. What do Labour currently stand for?

[@FishingFan2]

@@RR-sp3ey Change, What change? The SNP are sending Scotland back to the dark ages, that's the only change.

[@mcdon2401]

​@@RR-sp3eyI do believe the point the OP was trying to make flew so far over your head you never even heard it go past 😂

[@stunews2903]

Ash Regan not so important now. Salmond's Alba nearly sold out Scotland

[@wordforever117]

I think they were trying to get SNP to sell out. Would have been a good idea for them to do that, but they make mistake after mistake and can't get anything right

[@tom5216]

Ash Regan is just as important as ever. The SNP will have to listen to Alba if they want to push things through. She will still have a deciding vote.

[@mikeclifford7740]

Just as Alex planned.

[@mcdon2401]

​@@tom5216not necessarily. Given some of the recent policies they brought forward had some of their own MSPs revolting, Ms Regan may find she has as much power as Yousaf now has...

[@davidmrenton]

J K Rowling is like Agent 47, the way she disposes of SNP 1st ministers :)

[@beverlybradley5485]

She’s used her protronus, & there’s some dementors waiting in the wings!

[@georgemorrison9280]

I’m not interested in anything Salmond has to say . He had his ‘shottie’ as FM and made no difference apart from lumbering us with Sturgeon . Neither do I want to see Regan anywhere near the levers of power with Salmond pulling the strings .

[@user-gm3pl4io3r]

Does this mean the ferry service will be functioning soon. Did he buy a luxury motorhome as a leaving present for himself.White, white, white, white.

[@redacted629]

Define this Independence. If it means a changing of the guard, then to what extent for the people of Scotland? If it means freedom then there is a cost to that freedom. Responsibility for oneself and the nation to sustain themselves must bring trade, freedoms previously removed and honesty about the journey ahead. To merely throw away the shackles from one to be shackled by another is just change for change sake. What are the stipulations... the line where the Scottish people agree here... and no more. Are the Scottish people ready to take such a step for a reward so great. And will others interfere in her journey for their own benefit, as we've seen countless times before.

[@Andrew-ki5jz]

Sink independence,we are independent already,we are part of a nation that work together,snp have had a shot and done freeg all really!,we Don't need Hollywood, plenty of Drama on TV ,save cash shut it all down ,the public pay enough, give them a break

[@susanscottfarrell3713]

Thats a fair comment. The deal with the "green"( not green in any way) was a poor decision. Mr S would not have done that....

[@AlanWarrenBelfastArchitect]

I wish whom ever is the new leader every success. Scotland deserves a capable administration, one that sets a sound course for the future, be it independent or otherwise. As for Alex Salmond. That interview was simply him stating positions that suit his own interests. Scotland needs better. It needs politicians that put Scotland first and not their own political ambitions. At 70 perhaps time to retire?

[@unendedquest.14U]

Politicians never retire gracefully. Power is too addictive and intoxicating.

[@CarlLewellyn]

So long fair well get lost on your bike 😂

[@melgrant7404]

Away ye go.

[@gagamba9198]

Now that he's gone, everyone ought to resubmit the police complaints that were being quashed because he was PM. He's unprivileged now.

[@CursedWheelieBin]

Him being FM isn’t why they were thrown out. The law only counts for “hate crimes” that have taken place after 1.4.24. Notice how he hasn’t used the word “white” in any public speeches since? The guy was a fud. Feels amazing to refer to him in past tense 😃

[@tedmckee3169]

Complaints against him will still be ignored!!

[@Guttlegob]

Hate laws were only meant to be 1.) Information gathering 2.) use said information against potential enemy of the state.

[@johncheetham4607]

He didn't resign he was given an ultimatum. Leave in disgrace or be sacked in disgrace. He should be thrown in jail.

[@mikeclifford7740]

What do you think he should be charged with

[@RyanSmith-on1hq]

@@mikeclifford7740 Treason

[@Millie.com232]

hate speech

[@user-fi8od2lw3b]

Yousaf nightmare next first minister white or white or white beautiful

[@basicconcepts1d]

I will wager that we will be Ruled by A White Poodin. And Gender Neutral!.

[@andrewwhite3793]

Remember the Greens got their 8 seats because the nailed their flag to the independence movement and that SNP voters gave them their second vote . Who is to say Alba will not take their place

[@bigslydoc]

Surely the SNP should elect the person they should have done in the first place, ie. Kate Forbes. It'll split them from the Greens for good and get rid of their obsession with their weird Trans ideas.

[@Buckshot99]

Is Scottish independence at 50%? That is curtains if that is the case.

[@johncheetham4607]

Independence? The country is a mess after that idiot destroyed it.

[@DavidMartin-ym2te]

No it isn't - it's running at about 45% at present.

[@distinctlyaveragecyclist]

@@DavidMartin-ym2te If we're talking averages amongst recognised pollsters. the unionist vote is about the same - 45%. with the remaining 10% undecided. So Alex is perfectly correct....50/50 amongst the decided! source.... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opinion_polling_on_Scottish_independence

[@mikeclifford7740]

Curtains?

[@Purple_flower09]

​@@distinctlyaveragecyclist 66% majority of turnout in favour ought to be required. That's the lesson of Brexit isn't it?

[@patrickmcauley151]

We need Scottish peoples party for Scottish people for Independence not lies or corruption good leadership and honest people

[@googlecontrolled]

The Flower of Scotland song needs the line about "Sending Edwards army home to think again" needs writing again now 😊

[@casparbenjaminseymour]

i remember the day Yousaf was made leader one of his colleagues was asked what he would be like and the first thing she said was he will be great,and he's BAME. At that moment I realised the uber woke SNP had chosen a leader not on experience merit or talent but pigmentation and religious beliefs.

[@mkeith152]

Alex cant even get elected in Scotland but you never know what the future holds but l won't hod my breath

[@THE6uk]

The day i lost my dad and they stop me seeing him they made it personal now they will pay

[@dave81958]

Having to deal with English media as Scotland has none of its own.

[@a.d.clarke4990]

Hamza Useless & Truss: “I am a fighter… (5 minutes later) I resign as Prime/First Minister!” 😂

[@hiramabiff2017]

It was bad enough when Salmond had trouble keeping his " wandering hands " off women who dressed normally, god knows how he was going to get his hands up a burka.

[@m.bowyer5045]

🤣👍

[@unendedquest.14U]

He can get them to takasookie!.

[@davidharwood9552]

Salmond. Your opportunity awaits. Are you the man for the job

[@smythharris2635]

It's the will of Al'lah, apparently.

[@1669Python]

A great day for Scotland! They're finally free of that Baw Bag!

[@mcdon2401]

Nope, Salmond keeps coming back like indigestion.

[@politirel2]

It's only 50% leave when you ask the question, 'Should Scotland be an independent country,' Alex. If you ask the question, 'Should Scotland leave the United Kingdom,' it is only 33%, and that is the question you are going to get next time.

[@markwilkie3677]

The UK would no longer exist without Scotland. No more team GB, union flag, oil etc

[@eddiel7635]

@@markwilkie3677 that’s not true because Shetland and Orkney would leave Scotland and become like the Isle of Mann and keep most of the oil for themselves.

[@mikeclifford7740]

What's the difference between Scotland becoming independent and Scotland leaving UK? Apart from the way the words fall

[@eddiel7635]

@@mikeclifford7740 psychology, nationalist tendencies mean people like the idea of being able to stand on its own but they have also grown up with being part of the United Kingdom. The first one is tantamount to asking do you believe in Scotland the second do you actually want to leave the United Kingdom.

[@distinctlyaveragecyclist]

@@eddiel7635 of course you'll have a source to backup this claim?

[@spezzington]

You cannot defend Yousef and his outrageous blasphemy law.

[@willalm830]

cr@p at the job SNP and Tories nobody left that are qualified to sweep the floor

[@zelig1799]

Ending the commitment to Net Zero was the right move, If he was a compliant leader he would have explained why it was necessary. He was taken down and silenced by the Greens. We've been trying to warn you, these people are willing to consume Kale, anyone willing to be that vindictive towards themselves will sacrifice you in a heartbeat

[@Quagmire925]

Plenty of things Useless can be doing in his beloved Gaza!

[@jeanetteeftekhar6762]

He should have been sacked, not allowed to stay. He would have been out by the vote but he jumped first.

[@deedee4531]

Time for a election for both Scotland and Wales. it's barny having a 20 mph speed limit and minimum pricing for alcohol just another tax

[@FionaHedges]

Lets have something new and fresh , this old perv is not the answer

[@DavidM-gx8fs]

Mr Salmond leave politics

[@blueroot2547]

Put the pencil down, flippen heck man 😂

[@davidmckay7062]

Hate law has to go or no more votes for SNP.

[@catherine999]

Alapa? Maybe Humza should join you 😂

[@PhatTony-km3fl]

If its anything like the Sturgeon family fiasco I cannot wait to see what comes out the woodwork over the next few weeks?

[@TheErmerm999]

Ash Regan is a lame duck MSP completely unelected. she has completely no self respect if she did she would resign and let her voters decide if the want to keep her.

[@davidmcmillan6839]

50%? Eck, have you bumped your head?

[@ultimateoutdoors4659]

Khan next? Are P45’s white? 😂😂

[@davidmcintyre998]

If there is another referendum should it not be nationwide Wales and England also voting, are we not tired of funding three hot air shops and far to many politicians, one Parliament should be enough perhaps sitting for a year in Cardiff a year in London then a year in Edinburgh, we are either one nation or bring the whole thing to an end but keep in mind we nothing like the nation we once were in a very predatory world.

[@DCUK90]

We said NO; have a day off 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 🇬🇧

[@distinctlyaveragecyclist]

...10 years later and still bricking it.

[@DCUK90]

@@distinctlyaveragecyclist …10 years later and still crying about it

[@glenkean3407]

Tony Bliar is laughing at the chaos .

[@RS-ji2ui]

So Jocks Independence means being ruled from the EU,

[@ecossearthur]

lol the clown has fallen off the wall! 😅😅😅

[@bill-wd7zs]

He got to 1:03 before he mentioned independence probably an all time record.

[@valeriecherylirving4048]

So help me out here He has resigned as head of SNP but NOT as first minister., so does this mean he still has a role In decision making ? This needs to be cut clean in order for a proper vote for a new leader/ first minister…mmm a lot of fudging going on and further mess to make !

[@user-wc4nw5cg9f]

Working with Scottish Labour not an option for Humza Yousaf - Gaza - Anas Sarwar and Sir Keir Starmer and the ecology/environment to oust the Tories ?

[@dianecameron137]

he the one that said if we do not get independence he would stay and work with it then sodded of with in hours

[@AngelaWard-zb7xn]

Well let's hope Scottish people get to vote for minster 😊

[@commonwunder]

Independence would mean bundles of cash for those suddenly in charge... that's why they won't let go of it. It's the giant payday they all dream about. It's always about the money with Politicians.

[@mikeclifford7740]

Can you expand on this?

[@julie-yq4ri]

White White White White.

[@allangilchrist5938]

Mr Salmond no longer looking like the cat who got the cream.

[@col403]

Alex Salmond should be investigated for his part in allowing Donald Trump to buy and develop a Golf Course on land which should have been a protected natural habitat.

[@Purple_flower09]

This comment gets the hardest agree from me in the history of social media. Trump demanded the mobile dune system be destroyed in exchange for investing £1 Billion. Once it was destroyed he invested £130million and created 34 jobs.

[@Clarkson-st1rg]

The snakes eat their own tails

[@borkedtv7472]

Is it just me or were they struggling to not say useless?

[@michaelobrien9825]

AS LONG AS SALMOND DOES NOT THINK HE IS GOING TO WALK IN THROUGH THE BACKDOOR, THE GOOD PEOPLE OF SCOTLAND HAVE NOT FORGOTTEN YOUR MISDEMEANOURS OF THE PAST.

[@francesmcphillips6831]

Salmond was rubbing his hands in glee because he saw a way for him. He was winding the monkey Ash Regan to get her in coalition. It was all he wanted. Never thought about 55% who say Naw