‘No doubt’ FM will quit if he loses vote – ex-minister Ivan McKee

He has now written to all the opposition parties at Holyrood, saying he believes Scotland’s people want to see them “work together where and when they can, building consensus for the common good”.

He has invited them to meet him to “discuss matters and establish the scope for common ground.”

Both Scottish Labour and the Conservatives have tabled votes of no confidence.

The Tory motion is directed at the first minister which if carried does not legally oblige him to stand down. The Labour motion declares no confidence in the entire Scottish government, and if carried all ministers would have to resign.

Asked whether Mr Yousaf should quit if he loses Conservative-led vote, Mr McKee told BBC Good Morning Scotland: “I don’t think there’s any doubt about that.

“The vote of confidence, while not legally binding would be a clear indication of the will of the parliament.

“If you lose a vote of no confidence then clearly you don’t have the confidence of the parliament.

“But I think, as I said, the first minister’s using his political skills to negotiate to make sure that he doesn’t lose.”