Renfrewshire politicians have sent their congratulations to the new SNP leader Humza Yousaf.

The current Health Secretary was announced the new leader of the party on Monday, March 27, defeating Finance Secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan for the party’s top job.

Gavin Newlands, SNP MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North hailed Mr Yousaf’s victory as an “exciting time” for Scotland.

Mr Newlands said: “I am delighted to see Humza elected as party leader and, Scottish Parliament approval pending, Scotland’s next First Minister.”

“This is an historic and exciting time for our country. The challenges ahead are huge and undeniable but our track record over our time in government shows we are stretching every fibre to meet those challenges and better them.

“The last eight years have seen our cause thrive and our society improve under the leadership of Nicola Sturgeon and Humza has some big shoes to fill as she enjoys the next phase of her career.

“But I know that he is more than capable of stepping up to that challenge and taking our country forward onto greater things and besting the barriers that are in the way of too many people in our society.”

Natalie Don, MSP for Renfrewshire North and West congratulated Mr Yousaf on his success.

“Congratulations Humza Yousaf. Looking forward to you becoming First Minister and carrying us forward to Independence,” Natalie took to social media to say.

Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur also joined in with a message of support for Mr Yousaf.

He said: “Congratulations to Humza Yousaf on what is a historic occasion for our party and our country.”

“Now we move forward as team SNP to deliver the promise of a fairer Scotland, a more prosperous Scotland, and an independent Scotland.”