Dundee-based health secretary Humza Yousaf has officially entered the race to become the next first minister.
But could his ties to an influential group of SNP politicians in Scotland’s “Yes city” propel him all the way to Bute House?
A source close to Mr Yousaf’s campaign said he has been backed by a number of Dundee’s most prominent SNP figures and it is his “understanding” cabinet minister Shona Robison will pledge her support.
The party’s electoral success in the city has seen it become the home of some of the SNP’s leading names and a sphere of influence on national policy.
Ms Robison is a close ally of outgoing first minister Nicola Sturgeon and would be the most senior government figure to back a candidate so far.
Mr Yousaf’s wife, West End councillor Nadia El-Nakla, was employed as a senior case worker for the housing secretary until being elected last year.
Big names back campaign
Former public health minister Joe FitzPatrick and Dundee West MP Chris Law, the SNP’s spokesman on international development at Westminster, have also backed Mr Yousaf.
Meanwhile, Angus South MSP Graeme Dey, a former minister for parliamentary business and veterans, pledged his support to his “friend and colleague”.
Mr Yousaf has been described in some circles as the “continuity candidate” for Ms Sturgeon.
Allies talked up his ability to unify a party divided over the way forward on independence and rows over trans rights.
But a difficult time in a number of ministerial posts could make him a tough sell.
A ‘decent, caring’ person
Mr Dey said he has known the 37-year-old for many years and is in “no doubt” he has the attributes to be a highly effective leader.
He described Mr Yousaf as a “decent, caring human being” and said that is why he has “no hesitation endorsing his candidacy and getting behind his campaign”.
Mr Dey added: “We need to emerge from this contest with a leader who will be a unifier of the party and a first minister who has a vision for meeting the challenges the country faces and the skill set and experience required to deliver on that.
“For me, Humza absolutely fits that bill.”
Mr Yousaf secured another big name backer in culture minister Neil Gray, who some in the party considered a contender for the leadership.
But it is his ties to Dundee, where he lives with Ms El-Nakla and daughter Amal, that could provide his most important support base.
Ms Robison would be a powerful ally to help win over those looking to see Ms Sturgeon’s legacy continued.
Unifying the party
He will contest the place against Ash Regan, the SNP minister who quit government in opposition to Ms Sturgeon’s controversial gender reform laws.
Finance Secretary Kate Forbes also announced her leadership bid on Monday.
In a video message posted on social media, Mr Yousaf said he has the “skills required to reach across the divisions that exist in our political discourse and bring people together, be that in our party or country”.
He said he would form a “progressive government that always puts the needs of the most vulnerable first”.
A huge decision to make, but with the support & love of my family, I have decided to put myself forward as a candidate to become Scotland's next First Minister, and Leader of the SNP.
See my video below for some of the reasons why I believe I am the right person for the job 👇 pic.twitter.com/aDbVUe568E
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) February 18, 2023
Allies talk up experience
Mr FitzPatrick talked up the health secretary’s record in government and said he has the experience to lead Scotland as first minister.
“Our country and party need someone who can bring people together, deliver for Scotland, and unite us behind a positive vision for an independent Scotland,” Mr FitzPatrick said.
Mr Law said he is “delighted” Mr Yousaf put himself forward.
He described the health secretary as having “a great amount of experience in some of the toughest jobs in government”.
Mr Law added: “He has shown that he is extremely capable and will be able to bring the party and the people of Scotland together as we all work towards independence.”
But others have been more critical of Mr Yousaf’s record.
Political opponents repeatedly called for him to be sacked over record low performances against NHS waiting times targets.
Labour’s health spokeswoman, Jackie Baillie, called him the worst ever health secretary and claimed he is “failing upward”.
Conversation