Humza Yous-off: Former SNP first minister announces he will quit Scottish Parliament at 2026 Holyrood election
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Scotland's former first minister Humza Yousaf has confirmed he is to quit Holyrood at the next Scottish Parliament election. The 39-year-old stepped down as FM in April after a tumultuous term of little more than a year, having taken over from Nicola Sturgeon.
![[The 39-year-old stepped down as FM in April after a tumultuous term of little more than a year, having taken over from Nicola Sturgeon.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/10/93226459-0-image-a-33_1734431920000.jpg)
After a bitter leadership battle that exposed fault-lines in the nationalist party he was forced out after terminating a power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. He also garnered headlines with a high-profile spat with hard right X owner and Donald Trump ally Elon Musk.
![[He also garnered headlines with a high-profile spat with hard right X owner and Donald Trump ally Elon Musk.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/10/93227033-0-image-a-37_1734432012211.jpg)
In a letter to current First Minister John Swinney, the Glasgow Pollok MSP said he will be campaigning hard for the SNP at the 2026 election but will not run himself. He wrote that after serving for 15 years the election 'will be the right time for me to move on, to provide an opportunity for the next generation of MSPs to step forward, and to explore where I can best make a contribution in the future in helping to tackle some of the most pressing challenges our world faces'.
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.'. Mr Swinney responded by describing Mr Yousaf as a 'pioneer in Scottish politics', adding: 'I wish Humza, Nadia and their family much peace together'.
![[In a letter to current First Minister John Swinney, the Glasgow Pollok MSP said he will be campaigning hard for the SNP at the 2026 election but will not run himself.]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/17/10/93226749-0-image-a-36_1734431937453.jpg)
