SNP looks to unity candidate after Humza Yousaf quits as first minister

John Swinney emerges as favourite to become leader of party hit by series of damaging crises

Humza Yousaf has quit as Scotland’s first minister to clear the way for a new leader capable of giving the Scottish National party stability after a series of damaging crises.

During a dramatic day largely orchestrated by party managers, Yousaf announced he would step down as first minister just as a veteran former leader, John Swinney, quickly emerged as the favourite to succeed him.