HUMZA Yousaf has announced his resignation as the first minister of Scotland and SNP leader.

Speaking at a press conference at Bute House in Edinburgh, the politician confirmed his decision to step down from the post. 

Mr Yousaf said he will stay on in the role until his successor has been elected.

In response to Mr Yousaf's announcement, Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Stuart McMillan hailed the outgoing leader's record as first minister and thanked him for his work.

He said: “As I said at the time, the ending of the Bute House Agreement came as a surprise, but I trusted that the first minister had taken the decision he felt was right for the SNP and for Scotland.

“Having reflected upon this and the consequences thereafter, he has decided that the best way forward is with someone else at the helm.

"I respect Humza’s decision and thank him for his service as Scotland’s first minister.

"The job of First Minister is never an easy one, but his leadership was rooted in the principles of equality, opportunity and community, which I admired. 

“Humza’s achievements during his tenure reflect this, as one of his first acts as First Minister was to triple the Fuel Insecurity Fund to £30 million.

"He also secured a fully funded council tax freeze for the people of Scotland, helping all households during a Tory cost of living crisis.

"He presided over a record number of affordable housing completions, and record high investment in our NHS, which has resulted in Scotland being the only part of the UK not to be plagued with NHS strikes.

“I wish Humza all the best as he returns to the backbenches.”

Inverclyde's SNP MP Ronnie Cowan praised Mr Yousaf's self-awareness and said that he believed his decision to stand down was the right one. 

He added: "The first minister believes he made a mistake and has resigned over it.  

"Not everyone is as self aware as that. 

"Rather than take to Twitter and argue his case, he took time to consult with his advisers and family. 

"He has come to a decision that I believe is the right one. 

"The SNP shall now decide who our new leader will be. 

"At this time no names have been put forward and when they are I shall consider my choice . 

"People come and go in politics but the party and the cause of independence continues. 

"That’s how it was yesterday and that’s how it will be tomorrow. “

He came under fire last week following the decision to end his party's power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.

Opposition parties in the Scottish parliament had tabled two confidence votes - one in Mr Yousaf and another in the SNP government. 

Mr Yousaf had previously insisted he would fight to stay in the job and intended to win any vote of no confidence.

But he has struggled to secure the backing from opposition MSPs that would have ensured he could lead a minority government.