Humza Yousaf, Scotland’s former First Minister, has confirmed he will step down from Holyrood at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election. The 39-year-old, who served a tumultuous term of just over a year as First Minister, announced in a letter to current First Minister John Swinney that he would campaign for the Scottish National Party (SNP) in the next election but would not stand for re-election himself.
Yousaf, who became the youngest First Minister of Scotland and the first person from an ethnic minority background to hold the post, stated that after serving for 15 years, the 2026 election would be the right time for him to move on. He expressed a desire to offer space for the next generation of Scottish politicians to emerge, as well as the opportunity to explore other ways in which he can contribute to tackling global challenges.
Reflecting on his political career, Yousaf said, “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.” He added that, as the first Muslim leader of a Western democratic nation and the first First Minister of colour in Scotland, he hoped his tenure would inspire others from similar backgrounds.
Yousaf’s decision to step back from frontline politics comes after a period marked by internal party strife and public controversies. After taking over from Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023, he immediately faced challenges, including the discovery that the SNP had been without auditors for months and the arrest of Sturgeon’s husband, Peter Murrell, in relation to an ongoing police investigation into the alleged misappropriation of £600,000 in party donations.
Despite these turbulent circumstances, Yousaf sought to leave his mark on the Scottish Government, focusing on national missions based on equality, opportunity, and community. However, his term was fraught with difficulties, and his attempt to take control of the SNP and end the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens resulted in a backlash from his junior coalition partners. The abrupt termination of the agreement, which had previously been described as “worth its weight in gold,” led to accusations of political cowardice from the Greens and culminated in a vote of no confidence.
Following his resignation in April 2024, Yousaf admitted to a “miscalculation” in how he handled the Greens, acknowledging that he had not fully considered the human element of his decisions. “My successor is no longer encumbered with that deal, and they can make decisions on an issue-by-issue basis, which I think is the best way to do it,” he said.
More Read
Yousaf’s departure marks the end of a brief but eventful tenure as First Minister. Although he avoided being the shortest-serving First Minister in Scottish history, a record held by Labour’s Henry McLeish, Yousaf’s time in office was overshadowed by internal party struggles and external controversies.
In response to Yousaf’s announcement, John Swinney praised the former First Minister as a “pioneer in Scottish politics” and wished him and his family peace. Swinney, who stepped in as acting First Minister following Yousaf’s resignation, added, “Humza has made a significant contribution to Scotland, and his leadership was an important moment in our history.”
Yousaf’s legacy as the first ethnic minority leader of Scotland is likely to remain a significant aspect of his political career, though his time as First Minister will be remembered for the tumult and challenges that overshadowed his administration. His decision to step down and offer space for the next generation of leaders represents a shift in focus, both for him personally and for the future of the SNP. As Scotland’s political landscape continues to evolve, Yousaf’s contributions will be reflected upon, both for their achievements and for the lessons they imparted during a difficult period in Scottish politics.
