Ayrshire MSPs have been quick to share their reaction to news of Humza Yousaf's resignation as First Minister of Scotland.
Mr Yousaf made a statement from Bute House in Edinburgh announcing his decision at 12noon today (Monday).
He came under fire last week following the decision to end his party's partnership with the Scottish Greens, which pushed the SNP into a minority government.
He was sworn in as First Minister in March 2023. He said he will continue in his role until his replacement has been found.
Following the announcement, Ayrshire MSPs have had their say on the decision.
Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley MSP Elena Whitham, who served for a period as Scotland's minister for drugs and alcohol policy, thanked the outgoing First Minister for his service.
Ms Whitham said: "To step up to the role of First Minister is a monumental challenge and I take my hat off to anyone who has the courage to do so.
"I want to thank Humza Yousaf for his dedicated service to the party, Government, and most importantly the country.
"It is clearly a time of great change across these islands, that is the nature of politics and democracy.
"I am as resolute as ever in my belief that Scotland should thrive as an independent country.
"I look forward to engaging in a positive and constructive debate on the best way forward for our country."
Opposition MSPs have also been having their say on the news.
South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: "I wish Humza Yousaf and his family well for the future and thank him for his public service.
“There can be no greater honour than to lead your country and in doing so Humza Yousaf made history as the first First Minister from an ethnic minority background. Regardless of your politics, that was a significant moment for Scotland.
“But Humza Yousaf’s resignation alone will not deliver the change Scotland needs. We need to get rid of this whole dysfunctional, chaotic and divided SNP government.
“After 17 years of the SNP, nearly 1 in 6 people in Scotland are on an NHS waiting list, too many of our children are being failed by our education system and our economy is flatlining, when we need it to grow”.
Mr Smyth added: “The people of Scotland deserve a fresh start and that can only happen with an election and a change of government - one that will rebuild our NHS and get our economy back on track.
“It really is untenable for the SNP just to impose yet another unelected First Minister on Scotland.
“There should be an election that would mean the people of Scotland get to decide who our First Minister is, not just a small group of SNP members yet again.”
Fellow South Scotland MSP Sharon Dowey welcomed the news of Mr Yousaf's announcement.
The Scottish Conservative representative said: “Finally, Humza Yousaf has decided to step down as First Minister after the Scottish Conservatives lodged a motion of no confidence in him last week.
“Humza Yousaf performed poorly as Transport Minister, Justice Secretary and Health Secretary. That’s why it comes as no surprise that his tenure as First Minister has been so short-lived.
“The SNP will always put party before country, and they’ve continued to put the constitution at the top of their agenda year after year.
“The Scottish Conservatives are the only party focused on Ayrshire’s and Scotland’s real priorities, and we’ll continue to work as an effective opposition to a party that have shown themselves unfit for office.”
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