Former first minister Humza Yousaf has introduced he is not going to run for re-election on the 2026 Holyrood election.
The ex-SNP chief confirmed his intention to face down as an MSP in a letter to successor John Swinney, explaining the Scottish parliament election could be the “right time” to maneuver on.
Mr Yousaf added his choice would “provide an opportunity for the next generation of MSPs to step forward” and would additionally permit him to discover the place he can “best make a contribution in the future, in helping to tackle some of the most pressing challenges our world faces”.
Mr Yousaf changed Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023 however was pressured to step down earlier this yr following the breakdown of the Bute Home Settlement with the Scottish Greens.
The MSP for Glasgow Pollok has been a backbencher since.
In 2026, Mr Yousaf could have been an MSP for 15 years.
X
This content material is offered by X, which can be utilizing cookies and different applied sciences.
To point out you this content material, we want your permission to make use of cookies.
You need to use the buttons under to amend your preferences to allow X cookies or to permit these cookies simply as soon as.
You possibly can change your settings at any time by way of the Privateness Choices.
Sadly now we have been unable to confirm you probably have consented to X cookies.
To view this content material you need to use the button under to permit X cookies for this session solely.
Allow Cookies
Permit Cookies As soon as
In his letter on Tuesday, he famous: “It’s typically mentioned that you just can’t be what you can’t see.
“I hope by becoming the first first minister of colour, and first Muslim leader of a western democratic nation, I have sent a clear message to every young person, of any background, who aspires to get involved in public service that you do belong and are just as deserving of opportunity as anyone else.”
Throughout his time as first minister, Mr Yousaf referred to as for a right away ceasefire within the Israel-Hamas struggle.
His in-laws had been trapped in Gaza for 4 weeks, an ordeal he described as a “living nightmare”.
Mr Yousaf mentioned as first minister, he hoped he was capable of show management throughout “what I view as the moral question of our time”.
Mr Yousaf pledged to proceed working laborious for his constituents till he steps apart and vowed to be a “devoted campaigner” for Scottish independence and the SNP after leaving parliament.
He additionally mentioned he was trying ahead to extra time together with his family members, and thanked his spouse Nadia for the “sacrifices she has made for our family over the years”.
Responding to the letter, Mr Swinney mentioned he was “sorry to see” Mr Yousaf stepping down.
X
This content material is offered by X, which can be utilizing cookies and different applied sciences.
To point out you this content material, we want your permission to make use of cookies.
You need to use the buttons under to amend your preferences to allow X cookies or to permit these cookies simply as soon as.
You possibly can change your settings at any time by way of the Privateness Choices.
Sadly now we have been unable to confirm you probably have consented to X cookies.
To view this content material you need to use the button under to permit X cookies for this session solely.
Allow Cookies
Permit Cookies As soon as
The primary minister added: “He has been a pioneer in Scottish politics.
“I worth all he has contributed to the Scottish authorities and the SNP and I look ahead to his continued involvement.
“I wish Humza, Nadia and their family much peace together.”
