THE newly elected leader of the SNP has been selected by MSPs as Scotland's new First Minister (FM).

On Monday (March 27) former Health Secretary Humza Yousaf was named as the new party leader following a leadership contest with Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

This afternoon MSPs chose Mr Yousaf as their new FM, with the 37-year-old receiving 71 votes.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Mr Yousaf said: "It is a privilege of my life to stand before you and fellow MSPs as the nominee for first minister of Scotland."

The leaders of opposition parties at Holyrood also put themselves forward for selection as FM.

Conservative leader Douglas Ross received 31 votes, Labour leader Anas Sarwar received 22, and Alex Cole-Hamilton, who is the leader of the Liberal Democrats, received four votes.

MSPs were also given the option to abstain from the vote.

Earlier today Nicola Sturgeon officially tendered her resignation in a letter to King Charles III.

Mr Yousaf will be Scotland's sixth First Minister, and the first person of colour to be elected as a leader of a devolved nation.

In his speech before voting commenced, Mr Yousaf commented on the "progress" in society as himself and Labour leader Mr Sarwar are both Muslims.

He said: "The fact that no-one bats an eyelid at this tells me we are making progress in our nation, for which we should all be very, very proud."

King Charles III will now sign a royal warrant to officially make Mr Yousaf First Minister.