Key Points
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Scotland’s former first minister Humza Yousaf has announced he will not run for re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026 - Yousaf succeeded Nicola Sturgeon after she stepped down in 2023, and he served for just over a year as first minister
- He said the ‘time is right for me to move on’ after his 15-year career at Holyrood
- Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney said he was ‘truly sorry’ to see Yousaf step down
Former first minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed he will be standing down as an MSP at the next Scottish Parliament election in 2026.
Yousaf was first elected as the MSP for Glasgow Pollok in 2011 aged 26 and went on to serve as Scotland’s health secretary during the Covid pandemic.
The now-39-year-old was appointed as First Minister on March 29, 2023, following a successful SNP leadership campaign after the resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.
He faced imminent votes of no confidence in himself and his government after the termination of the Bute House Agreement between the SNP and Scottish Greens.
Yousaf announced his intention to resign as First Minister on April 29, 2024. The resignation was formalised on May 7 after John Swinney was elected as his successor.
In a letter to Swinney, Yousaf states that he is stepping aside to “provide an opportunity for the next generation of MSPs.”
The former SNP leader also says serving as Scotland’s First Minister was the “greatest honour” of his life.
Despite confirming he will not be standing for re-election in 2026, Yousaf says he will remain a campaigner for SNP and Scottish Independence.
In a post on X the former First Minister wrote: “Come 2026, I will have served 15 years as an MSP.
“The time will be right for me to move on. As the son of immigrants, I could never have imagined the incredible political journey I have been on. I feel blessed. Thank you to all of those who have supported me over the years.
“I will, of course, continue to represent my constituents in Glasgow Pollok until I stand down in 2026, and speak out on issues of importance, both domestic and international.”
He said he hopes that “by becoming the first first minister of colour, and first Muslim leader of a Western democratic nation” he has inspired those from a similar background.
The former first minister added: “When one chapter begins to close, you often spend time reflecting on your achievements, mistakes and even regrets – I have all three.
“However, I hope that throughout it all, I was able to treat people with kindness, courtesy and respect.”
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney posted on X, formerly Twitter,: “I am sorry to see Humza Yousaf stepping down.
“He has been a pioneer in Scottish politics. I value all he has contributed to the Scottish Government and the SNP and look forward to his continued involvement.
“I wish Humza, Nadia and their family much peace together.”
Yousaf spoke to Zeteo’s Mehdi Hassan about his decision to step back from frontline politics, saying ending the Bute House Agreement was “the right thing to have done”.
In August he admitted making a “miscalculation” by not considering the human element when he sacked the Green co-leaders from the Scottish Government.
He said: “My successor is no longer encumbered with that deal, (he) can make decisions in policy that he wants to take forward in our country’s interest without having to negotiate and compromise with the Greens.
“They can do that on an issue by issue basis, which I think is the best way to do it.”
Yousaf discussed his online feud with Elon Musk, accusing the US billionaire of amplifying “disinformation”.
Warning of Mr Musk’s political influence, Yousaf told Mehdi Hassan: “He (Musk) is apparently sitting in the interviews for chief of staff, for secretaries of state and living in Mar-a-Lago.
“And if he is trying to emulate that influence in the next UK general election, that should – as I say – ring alarm bells right up and down the country.”
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