Scotland’s first minister, Humza Yousaf on Monday resigned rather than face a no-confidence vote.
His resignation comes days after he torpedoed a coalition with the Green Party by ditching a target for fighting climate change.
Yousaf stepped down after failing to strike a deal with a breakaway nationalist party whose single seat could have given him a majority in Scotland’s devolved regional parliament.
The Scottish lawmakers are scheduled to vote on motions of no confidence in Yousaf and his government later in the week.
Speaking with reporters, Yousaf said: “After spending the weekend reflecting on what is best for my party, for the government and for the country I lead, I’ve concluded that repairing our relationship across the political divide can only be done with someone else at the helm.
“I have therefore informed the SNP’s national secretary of my intention to stand down as party leader.”
Scotland leader, Humza Yousaf resigns ahead of no-confidence vote