Humza Yousaf was announced as the next leader of the SNP on 27 March 2023 after winning the leadership election. Yousaf defeated Kate Forbes in the final stage, with 52% of the vote to Forbes's 48%. The leadership election was dominated by the strategy for a second independence referendum and the Gender Recognition Reform Bill, which has divided the party. Yousaf's views align with the party establishment and he is expected to continue Sturgeon's policies. The other two candidates, Forbes and Regan, were seen to be part of a new generational shift in the party.
