HUMZA Yousaf's decision to end the Bute House Agreement has caused an "overnight surge" in membership applications to the Scottish Greens, according to the party.
On Thursday, Yousaf brought an abrupt end to the agreement which saw the SNP and Scottish Greens agree to work together across a suite of policy areas.
The Greens were due to hold their own extraordinary general meeting to discuss the future of the Bute House Agreement next month following outcry from members over the Scottish Government's scrapping of a 2030 climate target and Health Secretary Neil Gray's welcoming of NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde's decision to pause the prescription of puberty blockers to under-18s.
READ MORE: Ash Regan says 'door is open' in letter to Humza Yousaf
However Yousaf brought an end to the agreement before the meeting could be held, sparking furious reactions from former Green ministers Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater.
Now, the Scottish Greens have said yesterday's events precipitated a surge in membership applications to their party.
“It is clear events of yesterday have struck a chord with all those who care about our climate future and equality, and we have received an overnight surge in new membership applications well into triple figures," said a spokesperson for the Scottish Greens.
“The pace of those wanting to join the party has continued to pick up most likely because people have read the morning headlines and been appalled at how the First Minister has acted.
“Our co-leaders Patrick Harvie and Lorna Slater spoke directly to voters, and SNP members in letting them know that if they believe in delivering a fairer, greener and more equal independent Scotland, the Scottish Greens is their natural home.”
The Ayrshire branch of the party said they had received five new membership applications on Thursday.
A post from Ayrshire Greens on social media said: "We are a very small branch, so we were delighted to have 8 new members join us this month - our average is about 2-3!
"5 of those 8 new members joined yesterday".
It comes after Slater said Yousaf had ended the Bute House Agreement because he had “lost control of the right-wing of his party”.
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