Humza Yousaf has signed a letter to the King tendering his resignation as Scotland’s first minister after John Swinney was elected as the SNP’s new leader.
Mr Swinney, 60, is expected to become first minister later.
The former deputy first minister has pledged to write a “new chapter” in the party’s history.
Mr Yousaf last week said he “paid the price” for the way he ended the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens.
He was sworn in as Nicola Sturgeon’s successor last March after a narrow win over ex-finance secretary Kate Forbes in the SNP leadership contest.
During his first year in the post and he faced challenges ranging from the police investigation into SNP finances to ex-health secretary Michael Matheson’s £11,000 data bill.
The Green-led deposit return scheme and the highly protected marine areas scheme were both ditched.
The Scottish government also lost a court battle with the UK government over its flagship gender recognition reforms, which led to the legislation being shelved.
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