EAST Lothian MSP Paul McLennan (SNP) has given his backing to Humza Yousaf, Cabinet Secretary for Health, in his bid to replace Nicola Sturgeon as First Minister.

Mr Yousaf announced his campaign on Sunday and said that he backed Ms Sturgeon’s stances on issues including same-sex marriage, abortion clinic buffer zones, banning conversion therapy practices and on gender recognition changes.

Mr McLennan has today announced his support for Mr Yousaf in a post on Twitter.

Mr McLennan said: “I joined the SNP as I wanted a fairer, more equal Scotland. Westminster will never deliver that.

“I believe Humza has the values, experience and humility to be our leader and First Minister, to deliver a more just Scotland and move us to independence.”

Ms Sturgeon announced last week that she would be resigning as First Minister after eight years in the role.

Mr Yousaf joins finance secretary Kate Forbes and former community safety minister Ash Regan in a bid for the position.