A BRUTAL BUSINESS

He quits after Scottish Greens disaster leaves him with no power | SNP's fresh leadership race 13 months after bitter battles

- PAUL HUTCHEON

THE SNP is set for another brutal leadership contest after the chaotic resignation of Humza Yousaf.

Former deputy first minister John Swinney is close to announcing a bid backed by SNP Westminster chief Stephen Flynn and cabinet big-hitters.

But former leadership hopeful MSP Kate Forbes was also considering standing last night and has support from anti-leadership allies such as MP Joanna Cherry.

An SNP minister warned Forbes would be "mad" to stand and predicted Swinney would deliver a "career-ending defeat" if a contest to be SNP leader goes ahead.

Labour leader Keir Starmer said the SNP is in "absolute chaos" and called for a "fresh start".

Yousaf yesterday bowed to the inevitable by calling time on 13 turbulent months as First Minister.

He sacked the Greens from government last S week but faced defeat in a no-confidence motion-forcing him to quit in a dramatic Bute House announcement.

In an emotional press conference, he 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 and ask that she commences a leadership contest for my replacement as soon as possible."