Former Scottish First Minister Humza Yousaf to Step Down as MSP in 2026

Humza Yousaf, Scotland's first leader of color, reflects on his tenure and announces plans to leave frontline politics after a 15-year career.

Humza Yousaf, who served as Scotland’s first minister for just over a year, will not seek re-election as an MSP in 2026, citing a desire to make way for the next generation of leaders.
Yousaf’s tenure as first minister was marked by challenges, including the fallout from ending the SNP’s powersharing agreement with the Scottish Greens, which led to a vote of no confidence and his resignation in May 2024.
He became Scotland’s first first minister of color and the first Muslim leader of a Western democracy, a milestone he hopes has inspired others from similar backgrounds.
Yousaf faced significant difficulties during his time in office, including internal SNP financial scandals and strained relations with coalition partners, which critics say defined his leadership style as reactive rather than proactive.
He plans to continue supporting the SNP in the 2026 election and explore future opportunities to address global challenges after stepping back from frontline politics.