Nicola Sturgeon has reacted to Humza Yousaf's resignation as First Minister of Scotland. 

Less than a week after he ended the cooperation agreement with the Scottish Greens, Humza Yousaf has said he will step down.

Yousaf was facing a vote of no confidence in Holyrood this week, brought by the Tories and Labour, LibDems and Greens all stating they would support it.

Glasgow Times: Humza Yousaf

In a statement today at Bute House, Yousaf said he had spent the weekend reflecting on what is best for the government and country and has concluded that repairing relationships across the political divide "can only be done with someone else at the helm."

He will continue as First Minister until a successor has been elected. 

READ NEXT: Humza Yousaf announces he will resign as First Minister

Now, former first minister Nicola Sturgeon has taken to X to stand by her 'friend'. 

She wrote: "I know how big a privilege being First Minister is, but also the toll it can take. I also know what a wrench it is to step aside, even when sure it is the right thing to do.

"Humza has conducted himself with grace, dignity and integrity - both as FM and in the manner of his leaving.

"I am and always will be proud to call him a friend."

Kate Forbes, former finance secretary, has been tipped as a candidate to replace Humza, as well as the likes of Mairi McAllan, Wellbeing economy Secretary, Jenny Gilruth, Education Secretary and Neil Gray, who was Humza Yousaf’s campaign manager during the previous leadership contest.

Speculation also surrounds John Swinney, former deputy first minister, who has been mentioned as a possible candidate.