Humza Yousaf, the first Muslim to be chief minister of Scotland and who now resigns after angering his ‘inexperienced’ partners

Humza Yousaf, the first Muslim to be chief minister of Scotland and who now resigns after angering his 'green' partners

The Scottish Government, a coalition between the Scottish National Party (SNP) and the Greens, collapsed this Thursday after the chief minister, Humza Yousaf, determined to abandon his dedication to cut back greenhouse gases. The Greens accuse him of “an act of political cowardice.” Yousaf has submitted his resignation.

Scotland’s First Minister confronted the prospect of face two confidence motions in the Scottish Parliament this week. So resignation turned an possibility. After fascinated by it over the weekend, Yousaf lastly resigned this Monday.


Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Humza Haroon Yousaf, born in Glasgow in 1985, is the first Muslim, non-white head of Scottish authorities. He has been First Minister of Scotland for simply over a 12 months, since March 2023, and the truth is has led the Scottish nationalists since that 12 months.

Son of Pakistani Muslim immigrants

Yousaf is son of first-generation Pakistani Punjabi Muslim immigrants. Her mom was born in Nairobi (Kenya). Because of her non-African origin, her household suffered common harassment and occasional assault: after an incident wherein her mom was attacked with an ax, they emigrated to Scotland.

As a baby he acquired non-public schooling in Hutchesons’ Grammar Schoola personal faculty in Glasgow, the place his Modern Studies lessons impressed him to enter politics. From a really younger age he was in youth organizations. For instance, he was a spokesperson for the Islamic Relief charity; he labored at a group radio station for years; and participated in a mission that introduced meals to homeless individuals and asylum seekers.

Political vocation

With that profile, Yousaf fulfilled his vocation and studied Politics at the University of Glasgow. While learning, in 2005 he joined the SNP. It is claimed that speeches by then social gathering chief Alex Salmond and Rose Gentle, an anti-war activist, in opposition to the Iraq struggle satisfied him that independence would be the solely manner to preserve Scotland out of the struggle.


Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

He had simply graduated and was already working in politics. He began out as a parliamentary assistant to Bashir Ahmad, the first Muslim and second-generation immigrant elected to the Scottish Parliament. Ahmad had an awesome affect on the younger Humza.

Yousaf, in the center, during an event.
Yousaf, in the middle, throughout an occasion.
ROBERT PERRY

Following Ahmad’s demise in 2009, Yousaf went on to work as a parliamentary assistant to First Minister Alex Salmond and Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Before elected deputy in 2011labored at SNP headquarters as communications officer.

Right hand of Salmond and Sturgeon

The following 12 months, Yousaf was appointed overseas minister below the Salmond authorities. When Sturgeon succeeded Salmond as first minister in 2014, she appointed him Europe minister and International Development. Then it turned transport minister and the Islands in 2016.


The First Minister of Scotland, Nicola Sturgeon, at the press conference where she announced her resignation.

Later, as half of a wider cupboard reshuffle of the second Sturgeon administration, he appointed Yousaf to the Scottish Cabinet as Justice minister. In 2021, in the midst of the pandemic, he was appointed Health Ministerwith accountability for the COVID-19 vaccination program and the restoration of the well being system.

In 2023, following the announcement of Sturgeon’s intention to resign as chief of the SNP and First Minister of Scotland, Yousaf introduced his candidacy to lead the Scottish nationalists. He pledged to problem the British Government over its resolution to block the Scottish Gender Recognition Reform Bill and declared that he wished to improve help for Scottish independence earlier than calling a referendum.

A 12 months as chief of the nationalists

Humza Yousaf, First Minister of Scotland and leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Humza Yousaf, chief of the Scottish National Party (SNP).
EFE / EPA / Robert Perry

She confronted Kate Forbes and Ash Regan, and managed to win (47% of help in the first spherical and 52% in the second and last spherical). On 29 March 2023, Yousaf was sworn in as First Minister of Scotland, changing into the youngest individual and first Asian and Muslim Scot in holding the place since its creation in 1999.


Former Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her husband Peter Murrell.

In September 2023, it launched its first Government program, targeted on the struggle in opposition to local weather change, poverty discount, financial progress and the provision of high-quality public providers. Only six months later, the Executive determined to abandon its dedication in opposition to local weather change (particularly, lowering greenhouse gases). When the Greens consequently denied their help, the Government broke down and Yousaf ended up resigning.

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