Humza Yousaf is contemplating stepping down from his role as Scotland’s first minister to avoid facing two confidence votes, according to sources familiar with the situation.

A close associate of Mr Yousaf revealed that resignation is being considered as an option, though a final verdict has yet to be reached.

“The countdown has been steadily ticking away,”  according to sources .

Mr Yousaf has been embroiled in a battle to retain his position as first minister since abruptly terminating the SNP’s coalition agreement with the Scottish Greens last Thursday.

Reports indicate that he has dismissed the possibility of forming an alliance with Alex Salmond’s Alba party, leaving his chances of surviving a vote of no confidence contingent on the support of the Scottish Greens.

To withstand the impending vote, Mr Yousaf will require backing from at least one opposition member in the Holyrood parliament, with the vote anticipated to occur as soon as Wednesday.

The parliamentary bureau, comprising the presiding officer and MSPs from major parties, is scheduled to determine the timing of the vote this week, typically providing a two-day notice period.

Ending the Bute House Agreement, the pact with the Greens, sparked outrage from his erstwhile coalition partners.

This week, he confronts dual votes of no confidence: one initiated by the Scottish Conservatives targeting his leadership as first minister, and another proposed by Scottish Labour, which would necessitate the resignation of his entire government.

Although the Greens are slated to convene later on Monday, they have consistently disavowed any intention to support him in the individual vote of confidence.

Already, the Scottish Conservatives, Labour, and the Liberal Democrats have declared their intent to oppose him.

In the absence of any changes, the first minister is left with the stark choice between facing defeat in the confidence vote or preemptively stepping down.

With 63 MSPs, the SNP holds a significant presence in the 129-seat parliament. Should the seven Green MSPs align against him, his fate hinges on the backing of the lone Alba party MSP, Ash Regan, to retain his position.

In the event of a tied 64:64 vote, the presiding officer would likely cast the deciding ballot to maintain the status quo.

While the personal vote of no confidence is non-binding, a defeat would subject him to considerable pressure to resign.

A loss in the government vote would trigger a 28-day window for MSPs to elect a new first minister or automatically instigate a Scottish parliamentary election.