Pakistani-origin Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf resigns

EDINBURGH – Scotland’s first minister Humza Yousaf has stepped down from his post on Monday ahead of a no-confidence vote.

Yousuf announced his resignation after realizing that he would not win two upcoming confidence votes. The confidence vote was requested by opposition after Humza dissolved the ruling coalition between his Scottish National Party and the Scottish Greens.

In a statement, Yousuf said he came to the conclusion that repairing the relationship between political factions can only be achieved with a new leader. He further called for leadership competition to identify his successor as soon as possible.

He thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve as Scotland’s first minister. He mentioned loving his family in Scotland where he is raising his family, and the only place he considers home.

Humza said he never imagined to lead country, given the lack of representation of people who looked like him in positions of political power.

He further acknowledged the diversity in leadership roles across the UK, highlighting a British Hindu prime minister, a Muslim mayor of London, and a black Welsh first minister. He encouraged people to celebrate this multiculturalism in United Kingdom.

Humza Yousuf

Humza Haroon Yousaf is a Scottish politician who served as the First Minister of Scotland and Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

He previously held ministerial positions under Nicola Sturgeon, including justice secretary and health secretary.

Born to Pakistani immigrants in Glasgow, Yousaf studied politics at the University of Glasgow and joined the SNP in 2005. He was elected as an MSP in 2011 and has since been involved in various community and charity activities. As first minister, Yousaf has focused on policies related to Scottish independence, healthcare, education, and social issues.