in a few minutes' time, the scottish national party will be announcing who's been chosen to succeed nicola sturgeon as its new leader. hello and welcome to this special programme live from a sunny holyrood in edinburgh, home of the scottish parliament. i'm martin geissler and in about 20 minutes�* time, we'll find out who will be the next leader of the snp and therefore most likely, by tomorrow, scotland's new first minister. over the next hour, together with a panel of all the talents, we'll bring you the result and discuss what it means for the future of the uk.

i will be live at scotland's national rugby stadium where tension is building ahead of the announcement of the result. the snp are the third — announcement of the result. the snp are the third biggest _ announcement of the result. the snp are the third biggest party _ announcement of the result. the snp are the third biggest party at - are the third biggest party at westminster but their opponents are chipper now nicola sturgeon has gone, so what might today mean for the next general election? all this, of course, was caused by nicola sturgeon�*s shock announcement, just over a month ago, that she intended to stand down as first minister and leader of the snp. she was a formidable political presence — one of the uk's most successful election—winning politicians, with an approval rating other leaders could only dream of. during her tenure, she's dealt with five different conservative prime ministers. big shoes to fill, then — metaphorically, if not literally, so let's have a quick look at those hoping to fill them. humza yousaf is scotland's 37—year—old health secretary. seen by many as the continuity candidate, he says he'll continue the socially liberal agenda nicola sturgeon pursued.

despite his relatively young age, he has over a decade of experience in government. at 32, scotland's finance secretary, kate forbes, is the youngest candidate. she's promising "change" but as a member of the free church of scotland she sparked controversy during the campaign, admitting she wouldn't have voted for equal marriage and saying that having children outside of marriage was "wrong" according to her faith. ash regan is the outsider. she resigned her post as a junior minister in protest at the gender recognition reform bill. she's also questioned the way the party has gone about selecting its new leader, although she now says she will accept the result. scottish independence, she says, is her number one priority. with me throughout the programme to offer their thoughts and analysis are polling maestro professor sirjohn curtice, journalist and broadcaster lesley riddoch, and the assistant editor of the spectator, isabel hardman. welcome all.

john, no data to crunch at this stage and we genuinely don't know what will happen, do we? ida. stage and we genuinely don't know what will happen, do we?— stage and we genuinely don't know what will happen, do we? no, but on the one hand — what will happen, do we? no, but on the one hand i _ what will happen, do we? no, but on the one hand i can _ what will happen, do we? no, but on the one hand i can guarantee - what will happen, do we? no, but on the one hand i can guarantee what i what will happen, do we? no, but on| the one hand i can guarantee what we won't have tomorrow morning as the polls got it wrong. we have had literallyjust polls got it wrong. we have had literally just one polls got it wrong. we have had literallyjust one poll of the people who have been deciding the outcome of this election, that members of the snp, but it was don four weeks ago, it was a 500 people so it wasn't that large. at that stage it has to be said mr yusuf was ahead, 31% for him, 25% for miss forbes, but a third of people didn't know what they were going to do so there was clearly plenty of room for manoeuvre. since then we have had the general scottish public including snp voters. it has told us

one very important thing which was that miss forbes was the most popular of the candidates, but amongst snp voters, it was very much neck and neck. in a sense the question we are asking ourselves is well snp members be literally like snp voters? in which case maybe it's going to be very close indeed and may end up on the second preferences of supporters, or will they be even further apart from the general scottish public and then perhaps take mr yousaf over the line. the sta . e is take mr yousaf over the line. the stage is set _ take mr yousaf over the line. the stage is set at — take mr yousaf over the line. the stage is set at murrayfield. in about ten, 15 minutes' time we will get the announcement and find out who has won. lesley riddoch, from a scottish perspective, how bigger moment is this? it is scottish perspective, how bigger moment is this?— scottish perspective, how bigger moment is this? it is huge and all sorts of ways. _ moment is this? it is huge and all sorts of ways, obviously - moment is this? it is huge and all sorts of ways, obviously because l moment is this? it is huge and all i sorts of ways, obviously because we have had _ sorts of ways, obviously because we have had these long periods of first alex salmond for eight years, then nicola _ alex salmond for eight years, then nicola sturgeon for eight years. nicola _ nicola sturgeon for eight years. nicola was pretty much the anointed one,

nicola was pretty much the anointed one. so— nicola was pretty much the anointed one. so in_ nicola was pretty much the anointed one. so in a — nicola was pretty much the anointed one, so in a sense it's one piece of continuity— one, so in a sense it's one piece of continuity for— one, so in a sense it's one piece of continuity for 16 years actually. a generational change because those two stole _ generational change because those two stole what came into politics when _ two stole what came into politics when it _ two stole what came into politics when it was deeply unpopular to be in the _ when it was deeply unpopular to be in the snp. i was a broadcaster here and there _ in the snp. i was a broadcaster here and there was a sense of, who are these _ and there was a sense of, who are these people? they were the opposition but often not treated with much respect. that is the atmosphere. that could have been an economist _ atmosphere. that could have been an economist at or a lawyer and made a lot of— economist at or a lawyer and made a lot of money— economist at or a lawyer and made a lot of money and there is respect for the _ lot of money and there is respect for the old — lot of money and there is respect for the old guard who fought their way through a difficult political experience. these folk naturally, as time has _ experience. these folk naturally, as time has moved on, have come into a different— time has moved on, have come into a different environment where the snp is the _ different environment where the snp is the leading party in scotland that defines everything else. and the are that defines everything else. and they are now _ that defines everything else. fific they are now the that defines everything else. fific they are now the third that defines everything else. el"ic they are now the third party at westminster, so that's a bit of a springboard, help for whoever takes over from springboard, help for whoever takes overfrom nicola sturgeon, but whoever that is will be working in the footsteps of these titans of scottish politics. how hard a job

will they have to do to get recognition, acceptance and credibility in westminster? i think it will be difficult _ credibility in westminster? i think it will be difficult and _ credibility in westminster? i think it will be difficult and that - credibility in westminster? i think it will be difficult and that helps i it will be difficult and that helps the unionist— it will be difficult and that helps the unionist parties— it will be difficult and that helps the unionist parties up- it will be difficult and that helps the unionist parties up here - it will be difficult and that helpsj the unionist parties up here and down _ the unionist parties up here and down in — the unionist parties up here and down in westminster, _ the unionist parties up here and down in westminster, so - the unionist parties up here and down in westminster, so for. down in westminster, so for westminster— down in westminster, so for westminster —based - down in westminster, so for| westminster —based labour, down in westminster, so for- westminster —based labour, they down in westminster, so for— westminster —based labour, they have breathed _ westminster —based labour, they have breathed a _ westminster —based labour, they have breathed a huge — westminster —based labour, they have breathed a huge sigh— westminster —based labour, they have breathed a huge sigh of— westminster —based labour, they have breathed a huge sigh of relief- westminster —based labour, they have breathed a huge sigh of relief when - breathed a huge sigh of relief when nicola _ breathed a huge sigh of relief when nicola sturgeon— breathed a huge sigh of relief when nicola sturgeon announced - breathed a huge sigh of relief when nicola sturgeon announced she - breathed a huge sigh of relief when| nicola sturgeon announced she was quitting, _ nicola sturgeon announced she was quitting, because— nicola sturgeon announced she was quitting, because whoever- nicola sturgeon announced she was quitting, because whoever takes . nicola sturgeon announced she was i quitting, because whoever takes over from her_ quitting, because whoever takes over from her does — quitting, because whoever takes over from her does not _ quitting, because whoever takes over from her does not yet _ quitting, because whoever takes over from her does not yet have _ quitting, because whoever takes over from her does not yet have the - quitting, because whoever takes over from her does not yet have the same| from her does not yet have the same clout. _ from her does not yet have the same clout, the _ from her does not yet have the same clout, the same _ from her does not yet have the same clout, the same ability— from her does not yet have the same clout, the same ability as _ from her does not yet have the same clout, the same ability as nicola - clout, the same ability as nicola sturgeon — clout, the same ability as nicola sturgeon herself— clout, the same ability as nicola sturgeon herself has _ clout, the same ability as nicola i sturgeon herself has acknowledged clout, the same ability as nicola - sturgeon herself has acknowledged to wind people _ sturgeon herself has acknowledged to wind people up— sturgeon herself has acknowledged to wind people on to _ sturgeon herself has acknowledged to wind people up to the _ sturgeon herself has acknowledged to wind people up to the extent - sturgeon herself has acknowledged to wind people up to the extent you - wind people up to the extent you could _ wind people up to the extent you could have — wind people up to the extent you could have a _ wind people up to the extent you could have a poster— wind people up to the extent you could have a poster with - wind people up to the extent you could have a poster with humza. could have a poster with humza yousaf— could have a poster with humza yousaf with— could have a poster with humza yousaf with keir— could have a poster with humza yousaf with keir starmer- could have a poster with humza yousaf with keir starmer in - could have a poster with humza yousaf with keir starmer in hisl could have a poster with humza - yousaf with keir starmer in his coat pocket, _ yousaf with keir starmer in his coat pocket, as — yousaf with keir starmer in his coat pocket, as we — yousaf with keir starmer in his coat pocket, as we did _ yousaf with keir starmer in his coat pocket, as we did with _ yousaf with keir starmer in his coat pocket, as we did with alex - yousaf with keir starmer in his coat. pocket, as we did with alex salmond in the _ pocket, as we did with alex salmond in the past — pocket, as we did with alex salmond in the past that _ pocket, as we did with alex salmond in the past. that is _ pocket, as we did with alex salmond in the past. that is something - pocket, as we did with alex salmond in the past. that is something the i in the past. that is something the unionist— in the past. that is something the unionist party— in the past. that is something the unionist party has— in the past. that is something the unionist party has been— in the past. that is something the unionist party has been saying - in the past. that is something thel unionist party has been saying well this is— unionist party has been saying well this is great— unionist party has been saying well this is great because _ unionist party has been saying well this is great because we _ unionist party has been saying well this is great because we don't - unionist party has been saying well this is great because we don't have the fear— this is great because we don't have the fear of— this is great because we don't have the fear of labour— this is great because we don't have the fear of labour being _ this is great because we don't have the fear of labour being in- this is great because we don't have the fear of labour being in hock- this is great because we don't have the fear of labour being in hock to| the fear of labour being in hock to the fear of labour being in hock to the snp _ the fear of labour being in hock to the snp after— the fear of labour being in hock to the snp after the _ the fear of labour being in hock to the snp after the next _ the fear of labour being in hock to the snp after the next election - the fear of labour being in hock to the snp after the next election for instance — the snp after the next election for instance but _ the snp after the next election for instance. but also _ the snp after the next election for instance. but also the _ the snp after the next election for. instance. but also the circumstances instance. but also the circumstances in which _ instance. but also the circumstances in which whoever _ instance. but also the circumstances in which whoever takes _ instance. but also the circumstances in which whoever takes over- instance. but also the circumstances in which whoever takes over is - in which whoever takes over is taking — in which whoever takes over is taking over— in which whoever takes over is taking over the _ in which whoever takes over is taking over the party, - in which whoever takes over is taking over the party, it- in which whoever takes over is taking over the party, it is- in which whoever takes over is l taking over the party, it is going to he _ taking over the party, it is going to he really— taking over the party, it is going to be really difficult _ taking over the party, it is going to be really difficult because - taking over the party, it is going to be really difficult because onl to be really difficult because on the one — to be really difficult because on the one hand _ to be really difficult because on the one hand you _ to be really difficult because on the one hand you have - to be really difficult because on the one hand you have a - to be really difficult because on the one hand you have a party. to be really difficult because on i the one hand you have a party that is very— the one hand you have a party that is very split — the one hand you have a party that is very split over— the one hand you have a party that is very split over a _ the one hand you have a party that is very split over a lot _ the one hand you have a party that is very split over a lot of _ the one hand you have a party that is very split over a lot of issues -

is very split over a lot of issues that— is very split over a lot of issues that it — is very split over a lot of issues that it kept _ is very split over a lot of issues that it kept quiet _ is very split over a lot of issues that it kept quiet on _ is very split over a lot of issues that it kept quiet on basically. is very split over a lot of issues i that it kept quiet on basically over a number— that it kept quiet on basically over a number of— that it kept quiet on basically over a number of years _ that it kept quiet on basically over a number of years for— that it kept quiet on basically over. a number of years for independence, which _ a number of years for independence, which now— a number of years for independence, which now seems— a number of years for independence, which now seems quite _ a number of years for independence, which now seems quite far— a number of years for independence, which now seems quite far away. - a number of years for independence, which now seems quite far away. 0n| which now seems quite far away. on the other— which now seems quite far away. on the other hand — which now seems quite far away. on the other hand you _ which now seems quite far away. on the other hand you have _ which now seems quite far away. on the other hand you have the - which now seems quite far away. on the other hand you have the record. the other hand you have the record of the _ the other hand you have the record of the scottish _ the other hand you have the record of the scottish government - the other hand you have the record of the scottish government itself l of the scottish government itself coming _ of the scottish government itself coming into— of the scottish government itself coming into much— of the scottish government itself coming into much sharper- of the scottish government itself coming into much sharper focus. of the scottish government itselfl coming into much sharper focus in terms _ coming into much sharper focus in terms of— coming into much sharper focus in terms of schools, _ coming into much sharper focus in terms of schools, the _ coming into much sharper focus in terms of schools, the nhs, - coming into much sharper focus in- terms of schools, the nhs, something ithink— terms of schools, the nhs, something i think humza — terms of schools, the nhs, something i think humza yousaf _ terms of schools, the nhs, something i think humza yousaf in _ terms of schools, the nhs, something i think humza yousaf in particular- i think humza yousaf in particular will find _ i think humza yousaf in particular will find hard. — i think humza yousaf in particular will find hard. all— i think humza yousaf in particular will find hard.— will find hard. all that to discuss. we will come _ will find hard. all that to discuss. we will come back— will find hard. all that to discuss. we will come back on _ will find hard. all that to discuss. we will come back on all- will find hard. all that to discuss. we will come back on all of- will find hard. all that to discuss. j we will come back on all of those issues injust a minute. the announcement will be made at murrayfield which has seen some drama on the pitch over the years. let's cross over to james cook. the reall bi let's cross over to james cook. the really big and _ let's cross over to james cook. i"ie: really big and busy function let's cross over to james cook. i"i2 really big and busy function suite here at murrayfield, the rugby stadium, where the tension has been building for the last hour or so. party members here, family members and supporters of the candidates and and supporters of the candidates and a lot ofjournalists, reporters and photographers as well of course. i

have spoken briefly to both kate forbes and humza yousaf, i haven't seen ash regan yet, and both of them were smiling and kate forbes told me she was looking forward to the result. humza yousaf said not to read too much into his broad smile, and now they have disappeared out of the room where they think they will be told the result before everybody else. so they will be perhaps mastering the idea of a pokerface as they are sitting at the front while the official result is read out, or perhaps not. we will see, martin. , ., , out, or perhaps not. we will see, martin. , . , ., ,, i. out, or perhaps not. we will see, martin. �* . , . ~' ~ , martin. james, thank you. we will be back to you — martin. james, thank you. we will be back to you at — martin. james, thank you. we will be back to you at murrayfield _ martin. james, thank you. we will be back to you at murrayfield very - back to you at murrayfield very shortly for that result. everyone will be looking at their faces when they sit in the front row. you would have to be some acted to disguise on have to be some acted to disguise joy or disappointment. it’s have to be some acted to disguise joy or disappointment.— joy or disappointment. it's always difficult for _ joy or disappointment. it's always difficult for any _ joy or disappointment. it's always difficult for any politician - joy or disappointment. it's always difficult for any politician to - joy or disappointment. it's always difficult for any politician to have | difficult for any politician to have to face the public knowing your fate but waiting for the public to here as well. i think one has to say

perhaps just standing aside from party politics, one has to hope that whoever wins and loses in both cases do so with good grace. it's been a fractious campaign. i suspect a lot of snp members will be hoping to some degree at least all parties will be willing to bury the hatchet and that will be crucial for the new leader. , , , . , leader. lesley riddoch, this has been quite _ leader. lesley riddoch, this has been quite a _ leader. lesley riddoch, this has been quite a campaign, - leader. lesley riddoch, this has been quite a campaign, six - leader. lesley riddoch, this has i been quite a campaign, six weeks leader. lesley riddoch, this has - been quite a campaign, six weeks of intense drama. just when you thought it was cooling off, it boiled up again. quite damaging for the party, how damaging for the broader independence movement? and how easy to heal will it be? it independence movement? and how easy to heal will it be?— to heal will it be? it has been a bruisin: to heal will it be? it has been a bruising one — to heal will it be? it has been a bruising one for _ to heal will it be? it has been a bruising one for the _ to heal will it be? it has been a bruising one for the party - to heal will it be? it has been a bruising one for the party and l to heal will it be? it has been a i bruising one for the party and the independence movement sits on the back of— independence movement sits on the back of the — independence movement sits on the back of the snp, no question. there's— back of the snp, no question. there's all— back of the snp, no question. there's all sorts of tensions within a party— there's all sorts of tensions within a party the — there's all sorts of tensions within a party the size of the snp. at one point _ a party the size of the snp. at one point the _ a party the size of the snp. at one point the third largest party in britain, — point the third largest party in britain, never mind in scotland, and holding _ britain, never mind in scotland, and holding that — britain, never mind in scotland, and holding that amount of disparate opinion— holding that amount of disparate opinion together has only been possible — opinion together has only been possible with a commanding authority at the _ possible with a commanding authority at the helm and the prospect of an

independence referendum keeping everyone _ independence referendum keeping everyone in line. the phrase has developed — everyone in line. the phrase has developed meaning you keep quiet about— developed meaning you keep quiet about everything else. but soon as you have _ about everything else. but soon as you have a — about everything else. but soon as you have a change of command and possibly— you have a change of command and possibly a _ you have a change of command and possibly a lower priority seeming to be given— possibly a lower priority seeming to be given to — possibly a lower priority seeming to be given to independence, why wouldn't — be given to independence, why wouldn't there be? there is one country— wouldn't there be? there is one country and the population wants to have a _ country and the population wants to have a conversation about every aspect _ have a conversation about every aspect of— have a conversation about every aspect of how it's run and hasn't been _ aspect of how it's run and hasn't been able — aspect of how it's run and hasn't been able to have it because the snp has been _ been able to have it because the snp has been a _ been able to have it because the snp has been a tightly steered top—down leadership control ship. so all of that is— leadership control ship. so all of that is now— leadership control ship. so all of that is now coming to the fore, and actually— that is now coming to the fore, and actually it— that is now coming to the fore, and actually it was always going to have to do _ actually it was always going to have to do at _ actually it was always going to have to do at some point.— to do at some point. controlled in every respect _ to do at some point. controlled in every respect and _ to do at some point. controlled in every respect and tightly - to do at some point. controlled in l every respect and tightly controlled by nicola sturgeon, except on the issue of succession, isabel. did —— she didn't put any plan in place, are you surprised by that? it is an opportunity _ are you surprised by that? it is an opportunity to _ are you surprised by that? it is an opportunity to have _ are you surprised by that? it is an opportunity to have a _ are you surprised by that? it is an|

opportunity to have a conversation about _ opportunity to have a conversation about their— opportunity to have a conversation about their identity, _ opportunity to have a conversation about their identity, what - opportunity to have a conversation about their identity, what they. about their identity, what they really— about their identity, what they really stand _ about their identity, what they really stand far— about their identity, what they really stand far beyond - really stand far beyond independence, - really stand far beyond independence, but- really stand far beyond independence, but it's| really stand far beyond - independence, but it's also been really stand far beyond _ independence, but it's also been a lesson— independence, but it's also been a lesson for— independence, but it's also been a lesson for them _ independence, but it's also been a lesson for them in _ independence, but it's also been a lesson for them in the _ independence, but it's also been a lesson for them in the perils - independence, but it's also been a lesson for them in the perils of. lesson for them in the perils of focusing — lesson for them in the perils of focusing too _ lesson for them in the perils of focusing too closely— lesson for them in the perils of focusing too closely on - lesson for them in the perils of focusing too closely on just - lesson for them in the perils of| focusing too closely on just one person— focusing too closely on just one person to — focusing too closely on just one person to the _ focusing too closely on just one person to the extent _ focusing too closely on just one person to the extent that - focusing too closely on just one person to the extent that there | focusing too closely on just one i person to the extent that there is no training, — person to the extent that there is no training, no— person to the extent that there is no training, no grooming - person to the extent that there is no training, no grooming of- person to the extent that there is no training, no grooming of a - no training, no grooming of a successor— no training, no grooming of a successor for _ no training, no grooming of a successor for instance. - no training, no grooming of a successor for instance. we i no training, no grooming of a i successor for instance. we talk about _ successor for instance. we talk about humza _ successor for instance. we talk about humza yousaf _ successor for instance. we talk about humza yousaf as - successor for instance. we talk about humza yousaf as being i successor for instance. we talk i about humza yousaf as being the continuity— about humza yousaf as being the continuity candidates, _ about humza yousaf as being the continuity candidates, but - about humza yousaf as being the continuity candidates, but really. about humza yousaf as being the i continuity candidates, but really in terms _ continuity candidates, but really in terms of— continuity candidates, but really in terms of his— continuity candidates, but really in terms of his performance, - continuity candidates, but really in terms of his performance, he's- continuity candidates, but really in| terms of his performance, he's not really. _ terms of his performance, he's not really. well — terms of his performance, he's not really, well either— terms of his performance, he's not really, well either he _ terms of his performance, he's not really, well either he is _ terms of his performance, he's not really, well either he is not - really, well either he is not allowed _ really, well either he is not allowed himself— really, well either he is not allowed himself to - really, well either he is not allowed himself to flourish | really, well either he is not i allowed himself to flourish or really, well either he is not - allowed himself to flourish or he's not been — allowed himself to flourish or he's not been allowed _ allowed himself to flourish or he's not been allowed to _ allowed himself to flourish or he's not been allowed to flourish - not been allowed to flourish depending _ not been allowed to flourish depending on— not been allowed to flourish depending on who - not been allowed to flourish depending on who you - not been allowed to flourish| depending on who you would not been allowed to flourish - depending on who you would like to blame _ depending on who you would like to blame for— depending on who you would like to blame for that. _ depending on who you would like to blame for that.— depending on who you would like to blame for that. depending on who you seak to, blame for that. depending on who you speak to. you — blame for that. depending on who you speak to. you get _ blame for that. depending on who you speak to. you get very _ blame for that. depending on who you speak to, you get very different - speak to, you get very different views on humza yousaf in different regards. let's go back to westminster and hear from regards. let's go back to westminster and hearfrom chris westminster and hear from chris mason. westminster and hearfrom chris mason. fraying this from a westminster perspective if you will. after an interview. westminster is keenly watching what is happening in scotland this afternoon for the very reasons you have been exploring in the last five or ten minutes, that the last five or ten minutes, that the snp have risen to be a hugely important power clearly in scotland, but then also beyond because they

are the third biggest party here at westminster. pretty much freezing out in particular the labour party as far as seats here in westminster is concerned in scotland. and when you look at, as all the parties here do now very keenly at the race towards the next general election, the maths is straightforward. rewind to the last time labour won a general election in 2005, they won 41 seats in scotland, they currently hold just a single one and there is the beginnings within labour, there was already prior to nicola sturgeon resigning, but since then there's been a sense within labour in particular that this might be an inflection point where they can get a toe hold back in to scottish politics as far as general election seats are concerned and every seat might matter to them after the next election. it is no coincidence that in the last month, since the

announced resignation of nicola sturgeon, keir starmer, the labour leader, has visited scotland four times, pretty much every week heading north of the border because heading north of the border because he hopes and may occasionally think but certainly hopes that there is fertile political territory for labour in scotland now in a way there hasn't been for years. share labour in scotland now in a way there hasn't been for years. are you caettin there hasn't been for years. are you getting any — there hasn't been for years. are you getting any sense — there hasn't been for years. are you getting any sense down _ there hasn't been for years. are you getting any sense down there - there hasn't been for years. are you getting any sense down there from | getting any sense down there from the people you speak to us to who labour and the conservatives would rather win this afternoon? thea;r labour and the conservatives would rather win this afternoon?— rather win this afternoon? they are aware, i rather win this afternoon? they are aware. lthink. _ rather win this afternoon? they are aware, ithink, as _ rather win this afternoon? they are aware, i think, as are _ rather win this afternoon? they are aware, i think, as are plenty- rather win this afternoon? they are aware, i think, as are plenty in - rather win this afternoon? they are aware, i think, as are plenty in the| aware, i think, as are plenty in the snp, that were it to be kate forbes, there would be some big internal questions. there's the whole questions. there's the whole question about the role of the greens in assembling a majority and a government. there's the whole questions as we've been exploring around her views on various social issues. equally i speak to people in labour and the conservatives and the liberal democrats here who look at

humza yousaf and say there is a track record of his time in government at holyrood that they think there is plenty to go out for. and also if you are seen as something of a continuity candidate from nicola sturgeon, you can't argue you are some sort of significant and massive difference as a result. so people here look on as a result. so people here look on a god. they are genuinely really interested, not least because, as leslie was reflecting, because there hasn't been a leadership race in the snp for so long and obviously in the time since there has been, there was a complete change in the snp and its membership, there is a sense of uncertainty about precisely how it might go because how on earth do you go about trying two to a party membership that is spread wide across the country? so a membership that is spread wide across the country? so - membership that is spread wide across the country? so a every sense of intriuue across the country? so a every sense of intrigue across _ across the country? so a every sense of intrigue across the _ across the country? so a every sense of intrigue across the country. - across the country? so a every sense

of intrigue across the country. it - of intrigue across the country. it goes like this, just like holyrood are political. they are fascinated by the injury, plotting, campaigning and personalities at the heart of this. and then speculating, about what it might mean for the party in question, the snp.— what it might mean for the party in question, the snp. everybody where ou are is question, the snp. everybody where you are is agog- _ question, the snp. everybody where you are is agog. everybody - question, the snp. everybody where you are is agog. everybody here, - you are is agog. everybody here, even more so. thank you very much indeed for now. i was picking someone else's money, some of the else's morning, simply staying quite rightly, this is impossible to call. we don't know what the membership of thinking or doing. now, we need to go through in simple terms the voting system. that might be quite important. voting system. that might be quite im ortant. , voting system. that might be quite im ortant. . , . voting system. that might be quite imortant. . . . , ., important. this is a preferential votinr important. this is a preferential voting system- _ important. this is a preferential voting system. that _ important. this is a preferential voting system. that is, - important. this is a preferential. voting system. that is, members important. this is a preferential- voting system. that is, members of the snp _ voting system. that is, members of the snp were not invited to give one

candidate _ the snp were not invited to give one candidate, they... preferences then they will be deemed elected. however, if none of the candidates meet that threshold then the votes for the third placed candidate, who expect to be ash regan, will be redistributed in accordance with their second preferences, expressed by that candidate �*s photos. therefore it is possible that if it is narrow between the top two candidates on first preferences, the second preference of the third placed candidate could be decisive. worth remembering the last time that happened was in the last round of the labour leadership contest in 2010 where as a result ed miliband beat his brother david miliband, whether that's an or unhappy president i will leave it for others to decide but it wouldn't be the first time that the party leadership has been decided by the second preferences of a defeated candidate.

it's a mechanism whereby you can have a winner who didn't get most of the first preference votes. it is. the first preference votes. it is, but on the _ the first preference votes. it is, but on the other— the first preference votes. it is, but on the other hand - the first preference votes. it is, but on the other hand i - the first preference votes. it is, but on the other hand i think. but on the other hand i think scottish— but on the other hand i think scottish people are used to using proportional voting systems. it's like everyone is calling horror from the implications of what would happen— the implications of what would happen if you use something proportional. nobody is suggesting now we _ proportional. nobody is suggesting now we would go back to the old days of now we would go back to the old days oqust _ now we would go back to the old days ofjust putting crosses, which i have _ ofjust putting crosses, which i have to — ofjust putting crosses, which i have to say is commonplace south of the border— have to say is commonplace south of the border and good enough, but i think— the border and good enough, but i think not— the border and good enough, but i think not for the tory leadership contest — think not for the tory leadership contest even. we have got to the stage _ contest even. we have got to the stage where everyone when it matters wants _ stage where everyone when it matters wants something proportional and you have to _ wants something proportional and you have to accept the result.— have to accept the result. before we move on, have to accept the result. before we move on. and _ have to accept the result. before we move on, and all— have to accept the result. before we move on, and all the _ have to accept the result. before we move on, and all the talk— have to accept the result. before we move on, and all the talk will- have to accept the result. before we move on, and all the talk will turn i move on, and all the talk will turn to who has won, can we reflect for a minute on nicola sturgeon, her years, earand minute on nicola sturgeon, her years, ear and legacy, a formidable political force. years, ear and legacy, a formidable politicalforce. she years, ear and legacy, a formidable political force.— politicalforce. she has, and she was underestimated. _ politicalforce. she has, and she was underestimated. i - politicalforce. she has, and she. was underestimated. i remember politicalforce. she has, and she - was underestimated. i remember when was underestimated. i rememberwhen she took— was underestimated. i rememberwhen she took over _ was underestimated. i rememberwhen she took over in — was underestimated. i rememberwhen she took over in 2014 _ was underestimated. i rememberwhen she took over in 2014 people _ was underestimated. i rememberwhen she took over in 2014 people said - she took over in 2014 people said she took over in 2014 people said she wouldn't _ she took over in 2014 people said she wouldn't have _ she took over in 2014 people said she wouldn't have the _ she took over in 2014 people said she wouldn't have the same - she took over in 2014 people said she wouldn't have the same rock| she took over in 2014 people said - she wouldn't have the same rock star status _ she wouldn't have the same rock star status as _ she wouldn't have the same rock star status as alex — she wouldn't have the same rock star status as alex salmond. _ she wouldn't have the same rock star status as alex salmond. so _

she wouldn't have the same rock star status as alex salmond. so many- she wouldn't have the same rock star status as alex salmond. so many of. status as alex salmond. so many of my colleagues — status as alex salmond. so many of my colleagues were _ status as alex salmond. so many of my colleagues were astonished - status as alex salmond. so many of| my colleagues were astonished when she sold _ my colleagues were astonished when she sold out — my colleagues were astonished when she sold out the _ my colleagues were astonished when she sold out the glasgow— my colleagues were astonished when she sold out the glasgow hydro - my colleagues were astonished when she sold out the glasgow hydro at i she sold out the glasgow hydro at one of— she sold out the glasgow hydro at one of her— she sold out the glasgow hydro at one of her first _ she sold out the glasgow hydro at one of her first rallies— she sold out the glasgow hydro at one of her first rallies and - she sold out the glasgow hydro at one of her first rallies and it - one of her first rallies and it suddenly— one of her first rallies and it suddenly became _ one of her first rallies and it suddenly became clear- one of her first rallies and it suddenly became clear that| one of her first rallies and it. suddenly became clear that not one of her first rallies and it - suddenly became clear that not only did she _ suddenly became clear that not only did she have — suddenly became clear that not only did she have the _ suddenly became clear that not only did she have the same _ suddenly became clear that not only did she have the same appeal- suddenly became clear that not only did she have the same appeal but. did she have the same appeal but actually— did she have the same appeal but actually she — did she have the same appeal but actually she would _ did she have the same appeal but actually she would appeal - did she have the same appeal but actually she would appeal to - did she have the same appeal buti actually she would appeal to some did she have the same appeal but. actually she would appeal to some of the soft— actually she would appeal to some of the soft unionist _ actually she would appeal to some of the soft unionist voters _ actually she would appeal to some of the soft unionist voters who - actually she would appeal to some of the soft unionist voters who had - the soft unionist voters who had 'ust the soft unionist voters who had just voted — the soft unionist voters who had iust voted no— the soft unionist voters who had just voted no in _ the soft unionist voters who had just voted no in the _ the soft unionist voters who had i just voted no in the independence referendum. _ just voted no in the independence referendum, who _ just voted no in the independence referendum, who then _ just voted no in the independence referendum, who then liked - just voted no in the independencej referendum, who then liked these massive _ referendum, who then liked these massive billboards— referendum, who then liked these massive billboards all— referendum, who then liked these massive billboards all around - massive billboards all around scotland _ massive billboards all around scotland with _ massive billboards all around scotland with nicola - massive billboards all around i scotland with nicola sturgeon's massive billboards all around - scotland with nicola sturgeon's face on them _ scotland with nicola sturgeon's face on them saying _ scotland with nicola sturgeon's face on them saying stronger— scotland with nicola sturgeon's face on them saying stronger voice - scotland with nicola sturgeon's face on them saying stronger voice for. on them saying stronger voice for scotland — on them saying stronger voice for scotland and _ on them saying stronger voice for scotland and turned _ on them saying stronger voice for scotland and turned to _ on them saying stronger voice for scotland and turned to the - on them saying stronger voice for scotland and turned to the snp i on them saying stronger voice forj scotland and turned to the snp in the 2015— scotland and turned to the snp in the 2015 general— scotland and turned to the snp in the 2015 general election. - scotland and turned to the snp in the 2015 general election. looking back, do mention _ the 2015 general election. looking back, do mention the _ the 2015 general election. looking back, do mention the hydro, - the 2015 general election. looking | back, do mention the hydro, those days, 14,000 people, and it was like a rock concert, the membership swelled spectacularly in 2014 and 15, after the independence referendum, is now the subject of controversy because we only found out last week how many members there are, the controversy surrounding the party's are, the controversy surrounding the pa rty�*s attempts to are, the controversy surrounding the party's attempts to guard that more tightly than perhaps they should have, and leaking information that wasn't entirely correct, having seen the chief executive and head of

communications go so what is the state of the party at the moment? internally there has been a lot of difficulty— internally there has been a lot of difficulty with the attempt to top—down control everything. managing conference agendas, so motion _ managing conference agendas, so motion is — managing conference agendas, so motion is coming in from lots of different— motion is coming in from lots of different branches never got on to the order— different branches never got on to the order paper somehow. an entire slate, _ the order paper somehow. an entire slate a _ the order paper somehow. an entire slate, a rejuvenation slate, elected four or— slate, a rejuvenation slate, elected four or five — slate, a rejuvenation slate, elected four or five years ago, one of whom was douglas— four or five years ago, one of whom was douglas chapman, elected as national— was douglas chapman, elected as national treasurer, try to get in to see the _ national treasurer, try to get in to see the box— national treasurer, try to get in to see the box and couldn't see them and resigned again. that has never taken _ and resigned again. that has never taken anyone's attention much until now but— taken anyone's attention much until now but it _ taken anyone's attention much until now but it has been growing and growing — now but it has been growing and growing and local branches are essentially being told what candidates to have, there has been resentment with that. there is hardly— resentment with that. there is hardly a — resentment with that. there is hardly a bit of the snp that hasn't been _ hardly a bit of the snp that hasn't been annoyed with something the leadership has done over these years — leadership has done over these ears. ,.. ., leadership has done over these ears. ,.. . ., leadership has done over these ears. . ., . , ., years. important to frame this for viewers outside _ years. important to frame this for viewers outside scotland - years. important to frame this for viewers outside scotland and - years. important to frame this for. viewers outside scotland and remind people that the snp is not the independence movement, it is only a part of it. the independence movement is effectively a leaderless one that doesn't have to buy into

everything the snp does, is that fair? ., , , . . . everything the snp does, is that fair? .,,._ . . . , , fair? probably. we are a distributed movement- — fair? probably. we are a distributed movement. there _ fair? probably. we are a distributed movement. there are _ fair? probably. we are a distributed movement. there are lots - fair? probably. we are a distributed movement. there are lots of - fair? probably. we are a distributed | movement. there are lots of leaders within— movement. there are lots of leaders within it _ movement. there are lots of leaders within it but — movement. there are lots of leaders within it but their recent one overarching leadership and that's because — overarching leadership and that's because it is hard to keep everyone walking _ because it is hard to keep everyone walking up — because it is hard to keep everyone walking up the hill when it is a ten year walk— walking up the hill when it is a ten year walk and it's pretty much been ten years— year walk and it's pretty much been ten years since the first independence referendum and we all told there _ independence referendum and we all told there is another referendum around _ told there is another referendum around the corner, the next year, the next — around the corner, the next year, the next year. yes groups across scotland _ the next year. yes groups across scotland have kept the faith and kept on — scotland have kept the faith and kept on organising, keeping visible, but now— kept on organising, keeping visible, but now the yes movement might have to decide _ but now the yes movement might have to decide to— but now the yes movement might have to decide to come forward and get organised — to decide to come forward and get organised because you can't allow a cause _ organised because you can't allow a cause like _ organised because you can't allow a cause like independence to rise and fall with _ cause like independence to rise and fall with the necessary changes that happen— fall with the necessary changes that happen in— fall with the necessary changes that happen in the electoral cycle. do ou happen in the electoral cycle. dy: you -et happen in the electoral cycle. you get a happen in the electoral cycle. drr you get a sense that... can you put into context the difference between the candidates in the crossroads the snp is at as a party?—

snp is at as a party? humza yousaf is itched snp is at as a party? humza yousaf is pitched as _ snp is at as a party? humza yousaf is pitched as the _ snp is at as a party? humza yousaf is pitched as the continuity - is pitched as the continuity candidate _ is pitched as the continuity candidate. lesley- is pitched as the continuity candidate. lesley reddickl is pitched as the continuity. candidate. lesley reddick will is pitched as the continuity- candidate. lesley reddick will have a different — candidate. lesley reddick will have a different view— candidate. lesley reddick will have a different view on _ candidate. lesley reddick will have a different view on the _ candidate. lesley reddick will have a different view on the continuity i a different view on the continuity candidate — a different view on the continuity candidate in— a different view on the continuity candidate in terms _ a different view on the continuity candidate in terms of— a different view on the continuity candidate in terms of how - a different view on the continuity candidate in terms of how they. candidate in terms of how they conduct — candidate in terms of how they conduct themselves, _ candidate in terms of how they conduct themselves, but - candidate in terms of how they conduct themselves, but he i candidate in terms of how theyl conduct themselves, but he has candidate in terms of how they- conduct themselves, but he has tied herself— conduct themselves, but he has tied herself to _ conduct themselves, but he has tied herself to nicola _ conduct themselves, but he has tied herself to nicola sturgeon _ conduct themselves, but he has tied herself to nicola sturgeon to - conduct themselves, but he has tied herself to nicola sturgeon to the - herself to nicola sturgeon to the extent _ herself to nicola sturgeon to the extent of — herself to nicola sturgeon to the extent of saying _ herself to nicola sturgeon to the extent of saying he _ herself to nicola sturgeon to the extent of saying he would - herself to nicola sturgeon to the extent of saying he would have i herself to nicola sturgeon to the i extent of saying he would have the outgoing _ extent of saying he would have the outgoing first— extent of saying he would have the outgoing first minister— extent of saying he would have the outgoing first minister on- extent of saying he would have the outgoing first minister on speed i outgoing first minister on speed dial. outgoing first minister on speed dial he — outgoing first minister on speed dial. he doesn't _ outgoing first minister on speed dial. he doesn't have _ outgoing first minister on speed dial. he doesn't have brilliant. dial. he doesn't have brilliant approval— dial. he doesn't have brilliant approval ratings _ dial. he doesn't have brilliant approval ratings as _ dial. he doesn't have brilliant approval ratings as health - approval ratings as health secretary. _ approval ratings as health secretary, around - approval ratings as health secretary, around —16,. approval ratings as health. secretary, around —16, with approval ratings as health - secretary, around —16, with health chiefs— secretary, around —16, with health chiefs are — secretary, around —16, with health chiefs are warning _ secretary, around —16, with health chiefs are warning the _ secretary, around —16, with health chiefs are warning the health - chiefs are warning the health service — chiefs are warning the health service was— chiefs are warning the health service was going _ chiefs are warning the health service was going to - chiefs are warning the health service was going to fall - chiefs are warning the healthl service was going to fall over. chiefs are warning the health - service was going to fall over. kate forbes _ service was going to fall over. kate forbes positioned _ service was going to fall over. kate forbes positioned herself- service was going to fall over. kate forbes positioned herself as - service was going to fall over. kate forbes positioned herself as the i forbes positioned herself as the change — forbes positioned herself as the change candidate. _ forbes positioned herself as the change candidate. i— forbes positioned herself as the change candidate. ithink- forbes positioned herself as the change candidate. i think she i change candidate. i think she shocked _ change candidate. i think she shocked quite _ change candidate. i think she shocked quite a _ change candidate. i think she shocked quite a lot _ change candidate. i think she shocked quite a lot of - change candidate. i think she shocked quite a lot of people| change candidate. i think she i shocked quite a lot of people in change candidate. i think she - shocked quite a lot of people in the contest _ shocked quite a lot of people in the contest with — shocked quite a lot of people in the contest with her— shocked quite a lot of people in the contest with her conservative - shocked quite a lot of people in the contest with her conservative views and outspokenness _ contest with her conservative views and outspokenness and _ contest with her conservative views and outspokenness and her- contest with her conservative views i and outspokenness and her readiness to criticise _ and outspokenness and her readiness to criticise everything _ and outspokenness and her readiness to criticise everything the _ and outspokenness and her readiness to criticise everything the scottish - to criticise everything the scottish government— to criticise everything the scottish government has— to criticise everything the scottish government has done _ to criticise everything the scottish government has done up- to criticise everything the scottish government has done up to - to criticise everything the scottish government has done up to this i to criticise everything the scottish - government has done up to this point particularly _ government has done up to this point particularly where _ government has done up to this point particularly where it _ government has done up to this point particularly where it involves - government has done up to this point particularly where it involves humza i particularly where it involves humza yousaf _ particularly where it involves humza yousaf ash — particularly where it involves humza yousaf. ash regan _ particularly where it involves humza yousaf. ash regan is _ particularly where it involves humza yousaf. ash regan is seen - particularly where it involves humza yousaf. ash regan is seen as- particularly where it involves humza yousaf. ash regan is seen as the i yousaf. ash regan is seen as the outsider. — yousaf. ash regan is seen as the outsider, little _ yousaf. ash regan is seen as the outsider, little known _ yousaf. ash regan is seen as the outsider, little known until- yousaf. ash regan is seen as the outsider, little known until she i outsider, little known until she resigned — outsider, little known until she resigned from _ outsider, little known until she resigned from the _ outsider, little known until she resigned from the governmentj outsider, little known until she i resigned from the government as community— resigned from the government as community safety— resigned from the government as community safety minister- resigned from the government as community safety minister over i resigned from the government as i community safety minister over the gender— community safety minister over the gender recognition— community safety minister over the gender recognition reform - community safety minister over the gender recognition reform bill, - community safety minister over the gender recognition reform bill, onej gender recognition reform bill, one of the _ gender recognition reform bill, one of the things — gender recognition reform bill, one of the things that _ gender recognition reform bill, one of the things that has _ gender recognition reform bill, one of the things that has caused - gender recognition reform bill, one of the things that has caused reali of the things that has caused real rancour— of the things that has caused real rancour recently— of the things that has caused real rancour recently and _ of the things that has caused real rancour recently and in _ of the things that has caused real rancour recently and in this - rancour recently and in this contest _ rancour recently and in this contest. ~ .

rancour recently and in this contest-— rancour recently and in this contest. ~ . . . , . , rancour recently and in this contest. ~ . . . , . . ., contest. we are watching pictures of the odium contest. we are watching pictures of the podium at— contest. we are watching pictures of the podium at murrayfield, - contest. we are watching pictures of the podium at murrayfield, waiting i the podium at murrayfield, waiting for the national secretary of the snp, who has run the electoral process and will be returning officer, essentially, this afternoon. john curtice, going back to what isabel hardman was just saying, kate forbes seems potentially to be more popular with the country at large but less popular with the party establishment. vice versa with humza yousaf. we could be in a situation where the party establishment but hang on, finn, the national secretary of the snp is coming in with the result. we are looking at the candidates taking their seats. here comes lorna finn. ,., ., . ., .. taking their seats. here comes lorna finn. . ., ... taking their seats. here comes lorna finn. . ., .., .. finn. good afternoon and welcome to murrayfield- — finn. good afternoon and welcome to murrayfield- my _ finn. good afternoon and welcome to murrayfield. my name _ finn. good afternoon and welcome to murrayfield. my name is _ finn. good afternoon and welcome to murrayfield. my name is kirsten - murrayfield. my name is kirsten oswald — murrayfield. my name is kirsten oswald and i am the snp business convener~ — oswald and i am the snp business convener~ i— oswald and i am the snp business convener. i am delighted to be here today— convener. i am delighted to be here today at— convener. i am delighted to be here today at the culmination of this

election— today at the culmination of this election contest to choose our new snp leader. the contest has taken our three — snp leader. the contest has taken our three candidates the length and breadth _ our three candidates the length and breadth of scotland. they have been in in our— breadth of scotland. they have been in in our living rooms via the tv debates— in in our living rooms via the tv debates and they have worked tirelessly to engage with members all over— tirelessly to engage with members all over the country. this is an historic— all over the country. this is an historic moment for the snp. as we look forward to our new leader, i want _ look forward to our new leader, i want to— look forward to our new leader, i want to thank nicola sturgeon for her exceptional leadership over the last eight— her exceptional leadership over the last eight and a half years. i would also like _ last eight and a half years. i would also like to— last eight and a half years. i would also like to convey my thanks to the candidates, — also like to convey my thanks to the candidates, to our members, and to everyone _ candidates, to our members, and to everyone at— candidates, to our members, and to everyone at snp hq and our national executive _ everyone at snp hq and our national executive committee who have worked so hard _ executive committee who have worked so hard behind the scene is to deliver— so hard behind the scene is to deliver this important exercise in party— deliver this important exercise in party democracy. i am delighted to welcome _ party democracy. i am delighted to welcome to the stage to announce our new leader. _ welcome to the stage to announce our new leader, lorna finn, snp national secretary _

as national secretary of the snp i have been given the results of the party leader election 2023, these are as follows will stop the final number of eligible members was 72,169. a total of 50,494 ballot papers containing a valid vote were received. there were three rejected postal ballot papers. the turnout was therefore 70%. 48,645 ballots were cast electronically and 1849 ballots were cast by post. the first preference votes are as follows. ash regan, 5599. this represents 11.1% of first preference vote. kate forbes, 20,559. this represents 40.7% of the first preference vote.

humza yousaf, 24,336. this represents 48.2% of the first preference vote. as no candidate received more than 50% of the vote, ash regan, as the candidate who received the least number of first preferences was eliminated and the second preference votes in favour of kate forbes or humza yousaf were given to them. the result after those votes were redistributed was as follows. kate forbes, 23,890. this represents 47.9% of the final vote. humza yousaf, 26,032. this represents 52.1% of the final vote. i therefore declare humza yousaf duly elected as the scottish national party leader. applause congratulations. _ national party leader. applause congratulations. i _ national party leader. applause congratulations. i will _ national party leader. applause congratulations. i will now -

national party leader. applause congratulations. i will now invite | congratulations. i will now invite you up to say a few words. humza yousaf, the son of two first—generation immigrants from pakistan, who worked his way up through the ranks of the body to the very top. once the formalities of the next couple of days are taken care of he will become scotland's sixth first minister. the party establishment's favoured candidate in this election process, and he has won and we can hearfrom him now. can i begin by thanking our national secretary lorna finn and also can i thank our headquarters staff for all the incredible efforts they have made right throughout this process. it is hard for me to find the words to describe just how honoured i am to describe just how honoured i am to be entrusted by our membership of the snp to be the party's next

leader, and to be on the cusp of being our country's next first minister. can i begin by paying tribute to my colleagues, both kate and ash. during almost 20 hustings it has probably felt like we have seen each other more than we have our respective families. you both have put in an incredible shift and i know that collectively we will continue to work hard as part of team snp. i am continue to work hard as part of team snp. iam not continue to work hard as part of team snp. i am notjust humbled, although i most certainly am, i also feel like the luckiest man in the world to be standing here as leader of the snp, a party ijoined almost 20 years ago, and that i love so dearly. friends, it was the late john smith, he got it absolutely right when he said, the opportunity to serve our country is all we ask.

to serve my country as first minister will be the greatest privilege and honour of my life should parliament decide to elect me as scotland's next first minister tomorrow. and just as i will lead to the snp in the interests of all party members, notjust those who voted for me, so i will aim to lead scotland in the interests of all our citizens, no one deletes might matter your political allegiance will stop if elected as first minister after the vote tomorrow in parliament, know that i will be a first minister for parliament, know that i will be a first ministerfor all parliament, know that i will be a first minister for all scotland. i will work every minute of every day to earn and to re—earn your respect and your trust. i will do that by treating you, the people of scotland, with respect. there will be no empty promises or easy sound bites when the issues in front of us

are difficult and complex because government is not easy. and i won't pretend that it is. my immediate priority will be to continue to protect every scot as far as we possibly can from the harm inflicted by the cost of living crisis, to recover and reform our nhs and other vital public services, to support our well—being economy, to improve the life chances of people right across this country. i will move quickly to develop plans to extend childcare, to improve rural housing, support small businesses and boost innovation. i will bring forward reforms of the criminaljustice system, i will work with local government to empower our local authorities. and as first minister i will not shy away from those exceptionally tough challenges that require the difficult decisions. i will also use the challenge is to find opportunity. my government will seize the economic and social opportunity that the journey to net zero will bring. a country as

energy—rich as scotland should not have people living in fuel poverty. the government i lead will renew and redouble our efforts to lift people out of poverty, to make workfare, to make our economy work for the people, and to ensure, as we become a more prosperous country and we also become a fairer country too. while i have had my fair share of battles with the uk government over the years and there may be some to come, i will work with them and other devolved nations constructively where i can in the best interests of our nation. i am a proud scot, and equally a proud european too, and scotland is a european too, and scotland is a european nation. we want to return to the european union and play our part in building a continent that is based on human rights, on peace and prosperity and social justice. based on human rights, on peace and prosperity and socialjustice. to the people of scotland, the snp has

earned your trust by governing well, by ensuring your priorities are our priorities. as a party under government, we are at our best when we are radical and bold. and the challenges we face today, they require nothing less of us. that is what i promised the people of scotland, if parliament of course put its trust in me tomorrow. joining the snp for me was an act of hope, but it was also a statement of intent. i was determined then as i am now that we will deliver independence for scotland. together as a team. leadership elections, by their very nature, can be bruising. however, in snp we are a family. over the last five weeks we may have been competitors or supporters of different candidates. we are no longer team comes, team ash or team

kate, we are one team and we will be the generation that delivers independence for scotland. where there are divisions to heal, we must do so quickly because we have a job to do. as a party we are at our strongest when we are united, and what unites us is our shared goal of delivering independence for our nation. to those in scotland who don't yet quite share that passion that i do for independence, i will aim to earn your trust by continuing to ensure we govern well and earn your respect as first minister by focusing on the priorities that mattered to all of us. and in doing so, using our devolved powers to the maximum effect to tackle the challenges of the day. and for those of us in this room and watching who do believe in independence, we will only win by making that case on the doorsteps. my solemn promise and

commitment to you is that i will kick—start our grassroots, civic led movement, and ensure a drive for independence is in fifth gear. the people of scotland need independence now more than ever before, and we will be the generation that delivers independence for scotland. before concluding, i want to take the opportunity to thank some very special people indeed and i wouldn't be standing here today if it wasn't for the support and the encouragement of a number of hard—working people. first of all there is my amazing wife, nadia. she is notjust my rock, she's my compass who helps guide me through the difficult times in life. there is no way, not a chance in hell that i would be standing here if it was not for your love and support, and for your advice. thank you for believing in me and for always being there for me. i do love you more

than words that i can find to express. to my girls, thisjob will at times be all consuming, i suspect, but know that there is no more importantjob in my life than being your dad. you will always come first. to my parents and sisters, thank you for your unwavering support throughout my life, for picking me up when i have been down and telling me to keep going when it times i had my doubts. i would also like to thank my phenomenal campaign team. you have worked day and night over the last weeks to support me, you have sacrificed time with your family and friends because, like me, you believing our vision of a progressive, sociallyjust scotland progressive, socially just scotland and progressive, sociallyjust scotland and i will not let you down. a special mention to neil gray, quite simply the best: a man i could have asked for. during the roller—coaster of emotion that is any leadership

contest, you have been by my side and there is no way i would have made it to the finish line without support. and to my good friend and colleague, shona robertson, your wise counsel has been indispensable to me during this contest. to our now former leader, nicola sturgeon, and her deputy and government, john swinney, thank you for your dedicated service to this party, to our country and all the people of scotland. you have left me strong foundations to build upon. and thank you to my colleagues in both parliaments, across local government and activists around the country who have been supportive and encouraging. i will ensure i harness all the talent across the party and across the country as i build that team that will take scotland forward to deliver our nation's independence. from our brilliant mps, stephen flynn, to our leaders in local government as well as our

exceptional group of msps in the scottish parliament. our party has an array of talent through its ranks. our parliamentarians, counsellors, members, all have a part to play on ourjourney to independence, as do ourfriends across the independence movement. to have your confidence as i take on the role as snp leader means so much to me. my final thanks is to my grandparents. unfortunately they are no longer alive to see this day but i am forever thankful that my grandparents made the trip from punjab to scotland over 60 years ago. as immigrants to this country who knew barely a word of english, they could not have imagined in their wildest dreams that their grandson would one day be on the cusp of being the next first minister of scotland. as mohammad yousuf worked in the singer sewing

factory in clydebank, stamping tickets on buses, they could not have imagined that their grandson would one day be on the cusp of being first minister in scotland. we should all take pride in the fact that today we have sent a clear message that your colour skin or indeed your faith is message that your colour skin or indeed yourfaith is not message that your colour skin or indeed your faith is not a message that your colour skin or indeed yourfaith is not a barrier to leading the country that we all call home. from the punjab to our parliament, this is a journey over generations that reminds us we should be celebrating and always celebrate the migrants who contribute so much to our country. this is what drives my commitment to equality that will underpin my actions as first minister. thank you for the honour of choosing me to be your nominee to become scotland's sixth first minister. i will dedicate every waking moment to

serving you, the people of scotland. thank you very much. applause humza yousaf taking the applause at murrayfield. he will, barring some unforeseeable drama tomorrow, be voted in as scotland's first minister and sworn in the following day. he is going to take a couple of questions, shall we have a listen? no, we're not going to those questions quite yet. hopefully we will come back to that. loads to discuss. your reaction, isabel? it was tight. it discuss. your reaction, isabel? it was ti . ht. . , discuss. your reaction, isabel? it was tiaht. . discuss. your reaction, isabel? it was tight-— discuss. your reaction, isabel? it wastiuht. . , was tight. it was, and you can see on the emotion _ was tight. it was, and you can see on the emotion of— was tight. it was, and you can see on the emotion of kate _ was tight. it was, and you can see on the emotion of kate forbes . was tight. it was, and you can see| on the emotion of kate forbes and ash regan's faces that they hadn't

known how this was going to go either. they were obviously told the result a few minutes beforehand but clearly they were processing something that had come as a surprise to both of them. i think in terms of the westminster reaction to this, i think there's going to be quite a bit of relief from the unionist parties that someone they feel they can characterise as being poor at government has taken over as first minister. they were much more anxious about kate forbes. i think within the snp movement, there's probably a lot of relief this isn't going to cause a big split over individual moral issues which is what was threatened by kate forbes. what do you make of that, lesley, and the broader result? i what do you make of that, lesley, and the broader result?— what do you make of that, lesley, and the broader result? i mean, that seech did and the broader result? i mean, that speech did a — and the broader result? i mean, that speech did a lot _ and the broader result? i mean, that speech did a lot for _ and the broader result? i mean, that speech did a lot for me _ and the broader result? i mean, that speech did a lot for me as _ and the broader result? i mean, that speech did a lot for me as an - speech did a lot for me as an independent supporter. it hit a lot of the _ independent supporter. it hit a lot of the right buttons. independence was a lona of the right buttons. independence was a long way _ of the right buttons. independence was a long way down _ of the right buttons. independence was a long way down his _ of the right buttons. independence was a long way down his list - of the right buttons. independence was a long way down his list of. was a long way down his list of priorities though. but was a long way down his list of priorities though.— was a long way down his list of priorities though. but it was the whole take- _ priorities though. but it was the whole take. it _ priorities though. but it was the whole take. it sounded - priorities though. but it was the whole take. it sounded like - priorities though. but it was the whole take. it sounded like the | whole take. it sounded like the moment— whole take. it sounded like the moment nicola sturgeon reached out to europeans after the brexit vote

and said. — to europeans after the brexit vote and said, do you know, you will always— and said, do you know, you will always be — and said, do you know, you will always be welcome here. we don't do the stuff— always be welcome here. we don't do the stuff you get down the road, we are different. that difference was the hallmark of most of that speech. he reached _ the hallmark of most of that speech. he reached across quite cleverly to take a _ he reached across quite cleverly to take a quote from john smith. he's very much— take a quote from john smith. he's very much from that part of the party— very much from that part of the party which is essentially social democratic, is looking to keep that labour— democratic, is looking to keep that labour leaning vote on board. it would _ labour leaning vote on board. it would have been quite different under— would have been quite different under kate forbes and clearly we would _ under kate forbes and clearly we would now be discussing whether the greens— would now be discussing whether the greens would even stay in government. they will have to do an awful— government. they will have to do an awful lot _ government. they will have to do an awful lot better at selling of the ideas _ awful lot better at selling of the ideas that have just gone through because _ ideas that have just gone through because they have a majority. don't think— because they have a majority. don't think they— because they have a majority. don't think they have worked hard enough. he's had _ think they have worked hard enough. he's had his — think they have worked hard enough. he's had his collar felt in a big way— he's had his collar felt in a big way by— he's had his collar felt in a big way by that result so there's got to be boldness and liveliness about pushing — be boldness and liveliness about pushing ideas forward from homes. yes, pushing ideas forward from homes. yes. that— pushing ideas forward from homes. yes. that is— pushing ideas forward from homes. yes, that is interesting actually, the settled nature now. we will come back to that in a second, lets

crunch some numbers. one statistic that got lost in a bit of that, turnout 70%. what does that tell you? turnout 70%. what does that tell ou? , , ., you? the truth is you never get every member— you? the truth is you never get every member participating - you? the truth is you never get every member participating in i you? the truth is you never get i every member participating in an election, you didn't get every member voting in the tory leadership contest last year so i don't think there's too much to be made of that. one thing about this result as it will mean in the short term at least is that the national ship which has had a bit of a battering welcome to a somewhat calmer position, and in particular not least because if kate forbes had won, then a lot of snp parliamentarians would have been rather unhappy. but given the strength of mr yousef�*s support within the parliamentary parties, one has to say that only getting 52% of the vote after the redistribution was a rather narrow result, so i think while in the short term he will bring his party together and he will bring his party together and he will be able to form an administration with ease, i suspect

he will have to offer miss forbes a senior position in the cabinet, perhaps remaining as finance secretary. whether she decides to take it, that might be another matter. probably in a few months�* time, parliamentarians will be looking to see whether mr yousaf has begun to develop an ability to reach out to the wider scottish public to get snp support back to closer to the 50% support rather than the 40% it is at the moment. so i think things calm for a while but this is a leader whose authority within his party is still to some degree going to have to be earned. it�*s to have to be earned. it's interesting, _ to have to be earned. it's interesting, we _ to have to be earned. it's interesting, we are - to have to be earned. it's interesting, we are looking at the final figures. interesting, we are looking at the finalfigures. it�*s a privilege interesting, we are looking at the final figures. it�*s a privilege to be sitting beside someone with a gymnastic brain like yours. i heard you muttering, jotting it down, thinking he had won. just as i was thinking, she has won! glad you have got the microphone, not thinking, she has won! glad you have got the microphone, not me. thinking, she has won! glad you have got the microphone, not me. at thinking, she has won! glad you have got the microphone, not me. at the tail end of his speech, he was

talking about his grandparents coming over, a sewing machine factory worker and bus conductor, and scotland is about to get its first muslim first minister at a time when the uk as a whole has a hindu prime minister. it is a moment worth consideration, isn�*t it? it worth consideration, isn't it? it is. that's a tremendous strength actually— is. that's a tremendous strength actually across the parliaments that ethnic _ actually across the parliaments that ethnic minorities are not in any way seen _ ethnic minorities are not in any way seen as— ethnic minorities are not in any way seen as some sort of difficulty in terms _ seen as some sort of difficulty in terms of— seen as some sort of difficulty in terms of election and winning elections. that is part of the mixed mongrel— elections. that is part of the mixed mongrel nation if you like that scotland — mongrel nation if you like that scotland conceives itself to be. so that's _ scotland conceives itself to be. so that's a _ scotland conceives itself to be. so that's a really positive point, but ithink— that's a really positive point, but i think the — that's a really positive point, but i think the way humza tried to articulate _ i think the way humza tried to articulate that about this larger equality— articulate that about this larger equality issue, he drew from his own experience _ equality issue, he drew from his own experience of racism in scotland and the need _ experience of racism in scotland and the need to— experience of racism in scotland and the need to protect himself as a minority— the need to protect himself as a minority the larger issues that they -ot minority the larger issues that they got into— minority the larger issues that they got into about gay marriage and equal— got into about gay marriage and equal rights in a more general way. yes _ equal rights in a more general way. yes i_ equal rights in a more general way. yes iwas— equal rights in a more general way. yes. i was saying to lesley that

independence came quite a long way down his list of priorities, isabel. we went through cost of living crisis, nhs, childcare, rural housing, thejourney to net crisis, nhs, childcare, rural housing, the journey to net zero. are you reading anything into that? there are two things. one is that independence _ there are two things. one is that independence does— there are two things. one is that independence does seem - there are two things. one is that independence does seem quite i there are two things. one is that independence does seem quite aj there are two things. one is that. independence does seem quite a lot further— independence does seem quite a lot further away — independence does seem quite a lot further away at _ independence does seem quite a lot further away at the _ independence does seem quite a lot further away at the moment. - independence does seem quite a lot further away at the moment. the i further away at the moment. the other— further away at the moment. the other is— further away at the moment. the other is to — further away at the moment. the other is to get _ further away at the moment. the other is to get soft _ further away at the moment. the other is to get soft unionists - further away at the moment. the other is to get soft unionists andl other is to get soft unionists and independents_ other is to get soft unionists and independents voters— other is to get soft unionists and independents voters to - other is to get soft unionists and independents voters to come - other is to get soft unionists and. independents voters to come over other is to get soft unionists and - independents voters to come over to the independence _ independents voters to come over to the independence because _ independents voters to come over to the independence because as- independents voters to come over to the independence because as he - independents voters to come over to. the independence because as he said, the independence because as he said, the snp _ the independence because as he said, the snp has _ the independence because as he said, the snp has to— the independence because as he said, the snp has to appeal _ the independence because as he said, the snp has to appeal to _ the independence because as he said, the snp has to appeal to them - the independence because as he said, the snp has to appeal to them to - the snp has to appeal to them to appear— the snp has to appeal to them to appear to — the snp has to appeal to them to appear to be _ the snp has to appeal to them to appear to be talking _ the snp has to appeal to them to appear to be talking constantly i appear to be talking constantly about — appear to be talking constantly about the — appear to be talking constantly about the constitution - appear to be talking constantly about the constitution when i appear to be talking constantly . about the constitution when there appear to be talking constantly - about the constitution when there is about the constitution when there is a cost _ about the constitution when there is a cost of— about the constitution when there is a cost of living — about the constitution when there is a cost of living crisis _ about the constitution when there is a cost of living crisis would - about the constitution when there is a cost of living crisis would not - about the constitution when there is a cost of living crisis would not be i a cost of living crisis would not be politically— a cost of living crisis would not be politically savvy~ _ a cost of living crisis would not be politically savvy. so _ a cost of living crisis would not be politically savvy. so he _ a cost of living crisis would not be politically savvy. so he is - a cost of living crisis would not be politically savvy. so he is right- a cost of living crisis would not be politically savvy. so he is right to| politically savvy. so he is right to say we _ politically savvy. so he is right to say we have _ politically savvy. so he is right to say we have got— politically savvy. so he is right to say we have got these _ politically savvy. so he is right to say we have got these domesticl say we have got these domestic challenges _ say we have got these domestic challenges to _ say we have got these domestic challenges to deal— say we have got these domestic challenges to deal with - say we have got these domestic challenges to deal with in - say we have got these domesticj challenges to deal with in terms say we have got these domestic i challenges to deal with in terms of scotland _ challenges to deal with in terms of scotland having _ challenges to deal with in terms of scotland having poverty— challenges to deal with in terms of scotland having poverty while - challenges to deal with in terms of| scotland having poverty while being an energy— scotland having poverty while being an energy rich— scotland having poverty while being an energy rich country _ scotland having poverty while being an energy rich country is _ scotland having poverty while being an energy rich country is important. it is an energy rich country is important. it is something _ an energy rich country is important. it is something the _ an energy rich country is important. it is something the opposition - it is something the opposition parties — it is something the opposition parties are _ it is something the opposition parties are really— it is something the opposition parties are really hammering i it is something the opposition i parties are really hammering the it is something the opposition - parties are really hammering the snp on at the _ parties are really hammering the snp on at the moment. _ parties are really hammering the snp on at the moment. it�*s _ parties are really hammering the snp on at the moment.— on at the moment. it's worth bearing in mind, on at the moment. it's worth bearing in mind. anyone _ on at the moment. it's worth bearing in mind, anyone who _ on at the moment. it's worth bearing in mind, anyone who has—

on at the moment. it's worth bearing in mind, anyone who has ever - in mind, anyone who has ever listened to snp conference speeches by leaders, the bit about independence always comes at the end because the point is that the issue that brings the party together. if there was any departure here, it�*s not that independence came after the more difficult issues, it was the bit at the end, the very personal bit at the end, the very personal bit about his background in a sense that was above all. people irrespective of their views about politics perhaps find it the most moving and personal.— politics perhaps find it the most moving and personal. finish with the bit ou moving and personal. finish with the bit you want — moving and personal. finish with the bit you want to _ moving and personal. finish with the bit you want to leave _ moving and personal. finish with the bit you want to leave people - bit you want to leave people thinking about. lets get reaction from the opposition parties in scotland. we can go to glasgow and speak to anna sauer, the leader of scottish labour. good afternoon and thanks for being with us. —— speak to anas sarwar. regardless of politics and how i may question the mandate of humza yousaf or the snp record, it�*s important to pause and reflect on the

significance of the election of what will likely become the first first minister from an ethnic mounted background, a significant moment for scotland, so congratulations to humza yousaf, and his family. that moment will not be lost particularly on the south asian community in scotland. ihe on the south asian community in scotland. , . on the south asian community in scotland. . . ., ., on the south asian community in scotland. ., ., , scotland. he is an old pal of yours and ou scotland. he is an old pal of yours and you have _ scotland. he is an old pal of yours and you have campaigned - scotland. he is an old pal of yours| and you have campaigned together against racism, you went to the same school, you go back a long way, but no more mr nice guy now you are facing him in parliament. it has led to a cost of living crisis, an nhs crisis with an record long wait list and i think at this time of crises, we need someone with competence, with ability and with new ideas and energy. frankly, i

don�*t believe the snp can provide that for us. i think the new leader does inherit nicola sturgeon�*s record but made a direct appeal to say, let me lead you through the pandemic. let me lead you through the recovery. that recovery hasn�*t started yet. i don�*t think humza yousaf is up to the task now facing scotland. your party switched leaders in government too, did it not? let�*s government too, did it not? let's look what was — government too, did it not? let's look what was said _ government too, did it not? let's look what was said in _ government too, did it not? let's look what was said in the - government too, did it not? l2t�*3 look what was said in the past. john sweeney made a very clear that this was, in his words, an arrogant approach, a closed door deal. i�*m

holding there to their own measuring test. frankly, in the crisis we have and the challenges facing our country, those issues need to be the priority, notjust a party talking to itself. people talk about the labour party being in chaos and division, and that is now what the in snp is doing. thank you. another party has changed leaders. i thank you. another party has changed leaders. . ., . . leaders. i want to congratulate humza yousaf _ leaders. i want to congratulate humza yousaf and _ leaders. i want to congratulate humza yousaf and his - leaders. i want to congratulate humza yousaf and his victory. | leaders. i want to congratulate i humza yousaf and his victory. he leaders. i want to congratulate - humza yousaf and his victory. he is the first snp leader from an ethnic minority background. you can hear in his speech the importance for him personally and his family. there was a touching moment when the camera went to his mum who wiped away a tear. but now the focus is on

getting down to work and focusing on theissues getting down to work and focusing on the issues that really matter to scotland. that is of course the nhs and cost of living crisis. humza yousaf has been in charge of the nhs during the problems. he yousaf has been in charge of the nhs during the problems.— during the problems. he will become first minister — during the problems. he will become first minister tomorrow, _ during the problems. he will become first minister tomorrow, there - during the problems. he will become first minister tomorrow, there is - during the problems. he will become first minister tomorrow, there is a i first minister tomorrow, there is a process to go through. you will stand against him, will you? yes i will. stand against him, will you? yes i with every — stand against him, will you? yes i will. every time _ stand against him, will you? yes i will. every time there _ stand against him, will you? yes i will. every time there has - stand against him, will you? yes i will. every time there has been i stand against him, will you? yes i will. every time there has been a | will. every time there has been a change of leader, the leader of the opposition stand against him. it might be more difficult for him if you didn�*t stand against him, finally. you didn't stand against him, finall . �* , . you didn't stand against him, finall . v . , you didn't stand against him, finall. �*. . , , ., you didn't stand against him, finall. i, . finally. it's a very strange system. i think finally. it's a very strange system. i think there _ finally. it's a very strange system. i think there might _ finally. it's a very strange system. i think there might be _ finally. it's a very strange system. i think there might be more - finally. it's a very strange system. i think there might be more of. finally. it's a very strange system. i think there might be more of an | i think there might be more of an interest income conversation. with humza yousaf, he has been very clear during this campaign that he wants to keep the greens and government. i

have concerns about that. an anti—growth party is not good for the economy. anti-growth party is not good for the economy-— anti-growth party is not good for the economy. you had a fractious relationship _ the economy. you had a fractious relationship with _ the economy. you had a fractious relationship with yousaf. - the economy. you had a fractious relationship with yousaf. are - the economy. you had a fractious relationship with yousaf. are you | relationship with yousaf. are you hoping a reset might be possible now? �* .. hoping a reset might be possible now? �* ., .. hoping a reset might be possible now? �* ., ., . ,, , now? i'm going to approach this as well as i now? i'm going to approach this as well as i can- _ now? i'm going to approach this as well as i can- i— now? i'm going to approach this as well as i can. i have _ now? i'm going to approach this as well as i can. i have worked - now? i'm going to approach this asj well as i can. i have worked closely with humza yousaf as health secretary. i will work with him and his government if they are going to bring forth the right approach is for people across scotland. but we have seen that in health, justice and transport that he has had problems with his own personal feelings. problems with his own personal feelinas. . ~ problems with his own personal feelinas. . «e i. problems with his own personal feelinas. . ~' , .. ., problems with his own personal feelinas. . «e . ., feelings. thank you. humza yousaf will bu in feelings. thank you. humza yousaf will buy in some _ feelings. thank you. humza yousaf will buy in some unforeseen - feelings. thank you. humza yousafj will buy in some unforeseen events become first minister tomorrow. let�*s look more closely at him in

his background. nicola sturgeon he was tipped as one to watch from the moment he was first elected. at 37, he will be scotland�*s first youngest first minister. he is the son of immigrants who came to scotland in the 19605 and friends say that has given him compa55ion the 19605 and friends say that has given him compassion for others. he said given him compassion for others. h2 said at 18 that he wanted to help in the charity shop and he started cleaning the floor and toilet. looking back now, i never thought he would _ looking back now, i never thought he would become a politician. i still

see him — would become a politician. i still see him as — would become a politician. i still see him as a humanitarian because he has a _ see him as a humanitarian because he has a very— see him as a humanitarian because he has a very soft heart and he used to -et has a very soft heart and he used to get very— has a very soft heart and he used to get very emotional, especially in a time of— get very emotional, especially in a time of disasters. it get very emotional, especially in a time of disasters.— time of disasters. it was the iraq war that inspired _ time of disasters. it was the iraq war that inspired him _ time of disasters. it was the iraq war that inspired him to - time of disasters. it was the iraq war that inspired him to join - time of disasters. it was the iraq war that inspired him to join the | war that inspired him tojoin the snp when he was a student at glasgow university. he came to the conclusion that only independence would stop scotland being dragged into conflict. friend5 would stop scotland being dragged into conflict. friends from is that time said he always helped people who are less fortunate. he time said he always helped people who are less fortunate.— who are less fortunate. he cares about what _ who are less fortunate. he cares about what he _ who are less fortunate. he cares about what he does _ who are less fortunate. he cares about what he does and - who are less fortunate. he cares about what he does and for- who are less fortunate. he cares about what he does and for the i about what he does and for the country. i think that is what drives him. he is dependable and i think that comes through in what he does for the public. that comes through in what he does for the public-— for the public. humza yousaf has talked about _ for the public. humza yousaf has talked about being _ for the public. humza yousaf has talked about being a _ for the public. humza yousaf has talked about being a victim - for the public. humza yousaf has talked about being a victim of. talked about being a victim of racism and he and his wife have sought to challenge discrimination when they have come up against it. he retains a passion to help those in needs, here a55isting syrian refugees sure increase.

in needs, here assisting syrian refugees sure increase. having witnessed _ refugees sure increase. having witnessed what _ refugees sure increase. having witnessed what i _ refugees sure increase. having witnessed what i witnessed . refugees sure increase. having . witnessed what i witnessed today, thousands of people arriving on the island of le5bo5 for a better life in europe, sacrificing everything, it would be a real stain on our conscience if we didn�*t help those people. conscience if we didn't help those --eole. , . , , people. during the leadership campaign. — people. during the leadership campaign. his— people. during the leadership campaign, his record - people. during the leadership campaign, his record in - people. during the leadership - campaign, his record in government came under attack from his opponents, when he was transport minister, he described as a son of the snp, now it is humza yousaf�*s turn to lead. his challenge is to reunite a divided party and divided nation.

let�*s go down to westminster and speak to the bbc�*s political editor. just sum up your thoughts for us in the contexts of the size of snp�*s representation at westminster. abs, representation at westminster. real moment, i've been speaking to real moment, i�*ve been speaking to seniorfigures in the snp real moment, i�*ve been speaking to senior figures in the snp this morning. there was a sense of apprehension as to how this might turn out. it was very close as your discussion has been reflecting. now, for the snp and its opponents, there was a chance for the incoming days to survey the new political landscape. the implications of that affects wider uk politics too. as we have been hearing from the political

opponents of the snp, there will be reflections, i suspect we will get this from the prime minister shortly, of how big a moment it is that scotland�*s first minister is of an ethnic minority background. but then we will get to the royal politics. the simple truth right now is that the snp opponents see this as an opportunity that the snp have had two dominating figures back to back as leader, income is someone clearly much well—known, particularly beyond scotland, and for this reason, opponents might think this might be a moment of opportunity. of course, the snp may want prove them wrong. during shifting moments like this, people will see opportunity there might...

thank you. let�*s look at the great shift of the snp want to create. just sum up where we are at the moment with that. if just sum up where we are at the moment with that.— just sum up where we are at the moment with that. if you take the avera . e moment with that. if you take the average of — moment with that. if you take the average of the — moment with that. if you take the average of the polls _ moment with that. if you take the average of the polls during - moment with that. if you take the average of the polls during the i average of the polls during the leadership contest, it was averaging 47%. leadership contest, it was averaging 47%~ it's_ leadership contest, it was averaging 47%. it's the lowest it has been since _ 47%. it's the lowest it has been since 2019 _ 47%. it's the lowest it has been since 2019. we have gotten used to polls being at the almost 50% mark. the important thing about all of this is— the important thing about all of this is that we are now looking at a very different independence debate, from the _ very different independence debate, from the one we had back in 2014. there _ from the one we had back in 2014. there was— from the one we had back in 2014. there was a — from the one we had back in 2014. there was a lot of talk back then about— there was a lot of talk back then about whether independent scotland could be _ about whether independent scotland could be a contributing member of

the european union. now that we are looking _ the european union. now that we are looking at— the european union. now that we are looking at an independence debate whether— looking at an independence debate whether choices are simply about being _ whether choices are simply about being inside or outside of the uk. it's actually about being inside the uk but _ it's actually about being inside the uk but outside the european union or vice versa~ _ uk but outside the european union or vice versa. support for independence now in— vice versa. support for independence now in scotland is three times higher— now in scotland is three times higher amongst those who wanted to be inside _ higher amongst those who wanted to be inside the european union which in scotland — be inside the european union which in scotland is around two thirds of the public, — in scotland is around two thirds of the public, then it is amongst those who wants — the public, then it is amongst those who wants to be outside the european union _ who wants to be outside the european union a _ who wants to be outside the european union. a crucial challenge is getting _ union. a crucial challenge is getting the debate kick started again — getting the debate kick started again. that was what nicola sturgeon was not _ again. that was what nicola sturgeon was not able to do in the post—pandemic environment. was not able to do in the post-pandemic environment. there is a reneral post-pandemic environment. there is a general election _ post-pandemic environment. there is a general election coming _ post-pandemic environment. there is a general election coming up - post-pandemic environment. there is a general election coming up soon . a general election coming up soon and whether— a general election coming up soon and whether or _ a general election coming up soon and whether or not _ a general election coming up soon and whether or not it _ a general election coming up soon and whether or not it will- a general election coming up soon and whether or not it will be - a general election coming up soon and whether or not it will be a - and whether or not it will be a defector— and whether or not it will be a detector referendum, - and whether or not it will be a detector referendum, which i and whether or not it will be a - defector referendum, which looks like it— defector referendum, which looks like it won't — defector referendum, which looks like it won't be _

defector referendum, which looks like it won't be now, _ defector referendum, which looks like it won't be now, there - defector referendum, which looks like it won't be now, there will. like it won't be now, there will still be — like it won't be now, there will still be election _ like it won't be now, there will still be election campaign. - like it won't be now, there will still be election campaign. it'sj like it won't be now, there will- still be election campaign. it's not credible _ still be election campaign. it's not credible to — still be election campaign. it's not credible to most _ still be election campaign. it's not credible to most of _ still be election campaign. it's not credible to most of us _ still be election campaign. it's not credible to most of us who - still be election campaign. it's not credible to most of us who are - credible to most of us who are independent _ credible to most of us who are independent supporters, - credible to most of us who are independent supporters, it - credible to most of us who are | independent supporters, it will credible to most of us who are - independent supporters, it willjust be another— independent supporters, it willjust be another of — independent supporters, it willjust be another of the _ independent supporters, it willjust be another of the normal _ independent supporters, it willjust| be another of the normal elections. there _ be another of the normal elections. there has— be another of the normal elections. there has to — be another of the normal elections. there has to be _ be another of the normal elections. there has to be a _ be another of the normal elections. there has to be a way _ be another of the normal elections. there has to be a way of _ be another of the normal elections. there has to be a way of focusing i there has to be a way of focusing this down— there has to be a way of focusing this down on— there has to be a way of focusing this down on some _ there has to be a way of focusing this down on some of— there has to be a way of focusing this down on some of the - there has to be a way of focusing this down on some of the issues, particularly — this down on some of the issues, particularly independence - this down on some of the issues, particularly independence but - this down on some of the issues, | particularly independence but also the post-brexit— particularly independence but also the post—brexit situation. - particularly independence but also the post—brexit situation. so - particularly independence but also| the post—brexit situation. so there must _ the post—brexit situation. so there must be _ the post—brexit situation. so there must be some _ the post—brexit situation. so there must be some energy— the post—brexit situation. so there must be some energy put - the post—brexit situation. so there must be some energy put into- the post—brexit situation. so therel must be some energy put into this. he also— must be some energy put into this. he also wants — must be some energy put into this. he also wants to _ must be some energy put into this. he also wants to restart _ must be some energy put into this. he also wants to restart the - he also wants to restart the grassroots _ he also wants to restart the grassroots campaign. - he also wants to restart the grassroots campaign. to . he also wants to restart the grassroots campaign. to bej he also wants to restart the - grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's— grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's not— grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's not for— grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's not for the _ grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's not for the snp _ grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's not for the snp to _ grassroots campaign. to be honest, that's not for the snp to do - grassroots campaign. to be honest, j that's not for the snp to do because they were _ that's not for the snp to do because they were never— that's not for the snp to do because they were never quite _ that's not for the snp to do because they were never quite there. - that's not for the snp to do because they were never quite there. there. they were never quite there. there has to— they were never quite there. there has to be _ they were never quite there. there has to be much— they were never quite there. there has to be much closer— they were never quite there. there has to be much closer work - they were never quite there. there has to be much closer work with i they were never quite there. there. has to be much closer work with the movement — has to be much closer work with the movement do _ has to be much closer work with the movement-— has to be much closer work with the movement. , ., ,, , . movement. do you think independence is a more distant _ movement. do you think independence is a more distant thought _ movement. do you think independence is a more distant thought now - movement. do you think independence is a more distant thought now than - is a more distant thought now than it was six weeks ago? yes. is a more distant thought now than it was six weeks ago?— it was six weeks ago? yes, i think so. i it was six weeks ago? yes, i think so- i think — it was six weeks ago? yes, i think so. i think the _ it was six weeks ago? yes, i think so. i think the unionist _ it was six weeks ago? yes, i think so. i think the unionist parties . it was six weeks ago? yes, i thinkj so. i think the unionist parties are feeling quite relieved.— feeling quite relieved. thank you. thank ou feeling quite relieved. thank you. thank you for— feeling quite relieved. thank you. thank you forjoining _ feeling quite relieved. thank you. thank you forjoining us _ feeling quite relieved. thank you. thank you forjoining us here - feeling quite relieved. thank you. thank you forjoining us here at i thank you forjoining us here at holyrood this afternoon. the snp has a new leader tomorrow. humza yousaf.

for him, the hard work starts now. for him, the hard work starts now. for us, that is it for the afternoon. goodbye. hello, you�*re watching bbc news. people who vandalised public span spaces will have to repair the damage they cause within 48 hours. speaking at a boxing club in chelmsford in essex, rishi sunak set out plans to improve community policing, including banning possession of laughing gas, dealing with the small minority of people who are disruptive. a plan to clean up our streets, from graffiti to nitrous oxide or better known as laughing gas. out on the beat today in essex, the prime

minister delivered his message to crack down on anti—social behaviour. i think it�*s important we have a zero—tolerance approach. i think it�*s important we ban nitrous oxide for the damage it does. {jut it's important we ban nitrous oxide for the damage it does.— for the damage it does. out of all the measures, _ for the damage it does. out of all the measures, it's _ for the damage it does. out of all the measures, it's the _ for the damage it does. out of all the measures, it's the tiny - for the damage it does. out of all the measures, it's the tiny metal| the measures, it�*s the tiny metal canisters that have got ministers talking. filled with nitrous oxide when inhaled, they provide a short intense high. ministers are concerned that public spaces are becoming immune is a drug taking and they say it�*s doing more than just causing a blight to communities. the drug is popular among 16 to 25—year—olds. in england and wales, there were 56 registered deaths in evolving nitrous oxide between 2001 in 2020. 45 of those who are registered since 2010. it is already

illegal to produce or supply the gas for its psychoactive effects but the new plans make possessing