Humza Yousaf

Yousaf wins 52.1 percent of the vote after second preferences counted to see off main rival Kate Forbes. He is poised to succeed Nicola Sturgeon as first ...

Sturgeon is expected to formally resign as first minister of the devolved Scottish government on Tuesday, which will begin the process that will see Yousaf take up the post by Wednesday. Yousaf failed to amass the majority of votes needed to win in the first round outright. Regarded as the candidate closest to Sturgeon ideologically, he picked up the backing of many of her supporters and joked he would have the outgoing first minister “on speed dial.” But he has faced criticism for his time in government from the other candidates, including a scathing attack from Forbes over his record as top health minister. It represents a slim margin of victory over Forbes, an SNP rising star who ran as a change candidate with occasional attacks on Yousaf and the SNP’s record in government. Currently the Scottish government’s health secretary, Yousaf will become Scotland’s next first minister this week.

Humza Yousaf has won the Scottish National Party leadership contest and is set to become Scotland's First Minister replacing Nicola Sturgeon, ...

Scotland voted against independence by 55% to 45% in 2014. “To serve my country as First Minister will be the greatest privilege and honor of my life,” Yousaf added. Yousaf, who has served as a Member of the Scottish Parliament for Glasgow Pollok since 2016 and for Glasgow between 2011 and 2016, is the first Muslim and non-white cabinet minister to have served in the Scottish Government.

Humza Yousaf has won the SNP leadership contest and is set to be named as Scotland's new first minister, replacing Nicola Sturgeon. The explosive leadership ...

Only Labour can provide the change that Scotland needs." "Unfortunately, we have serious concerns about his ability. A party I joined almost 20 years and that I love so dearly." To speak up for the marginalised. To serve our people. To create better jobs. Co-leader Lorna Slater added: "Climate justice and equality are at the heart of our shared vision, and we are delighted to be working with Humza Yousaf on delivering on our shared cooperation agreement." To end poverty. Following brief speeches, MSPs will then vote for their preferred candidate. Prior to the leadership vote, Mr Yousaf said if elected as first minister he will be a leader for "all of Scotland". "We will be the team, we will be the generation, that delivers independence for Scotland." Mr Yousaf said: "I feel like the luckiest man in the world to be standing here as leader of the SNP.

Humza Yousaf has been elected the new head of the Scottish National Party by party members. In a speech following the announcement, he said he felt like the ...

He continued that building support for the cause would need to be done "on the doorstep." If approved on Tuesday, he will be the country's sixth leader since the establishment of the Scottish parliament in 1999. "Scotland is a European nation. In November, the U.K.'s highest court government, which opposes the move. Sturgeon generated both praise and significant controversy over recent [decision](https://news.sky.com/story/uk-government-blocks-scotlands-gender-reform-bill-in-constitutional-first-12787916) to block the gender reforms, but that he would be [guided](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-65036907) by legal advice in doing so. [reforms](https://news.sky.com/story/why-is-scotlands-gender-recognition-reform-bill-controversial-12788818) to gender legislation in Scotland, and leaves behind a [mixed legacy](https://news.sky.com/story/nicola-sturgeons-time-as-scotlands-first-minister-in-10-charts-12811812) on domestic issues. The SNP supports the campaign for Scotland to gain independence from the United Kingdom and holds a majority of 64 of the 129 seats in the Scottish parliament, giving it control over - In a speech following the announcement, he said he felt like the "luckiest man in the world" and would lead in the interest of all party members and lead Scotland in the interest of all citizens. - The SNP supports the campaign for Scotland to gain independency from the United Kingdom and holds a majority of 64 of the 129 seats in the Scottish parliament, giving it control over devolved areas that include housing, education, justice, local government and areas of taxation. Humza Yousaf on Monday was elected the new head of the Scottish National Party, promising in a speech to bring the party together, support citizens with the cost-of-living crisis and deliver independence from the United Kingdom.

Humza Yousaf will be Scotland's First Minister after a party contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP).

Mr Yousaf was first appointed a junior minister in 2012, at the time the youngest person and first ethnic minority to be appointed to the Scottish government. After graduating he worked as an aide to a Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) before being elected an MSP himself in 2011. Scotland's first Muslim leader, Mr Yousaf has said his faith is "not the basis on which I legislate", and that he supports equal marriage, following a row over the views of his main rival for the role, Kate Forbes.

Scottish health secretary set to become first minister on Wednesday after securing 52% of vote.

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Mr Yousaf, the MSP for Glasgow Pollok, is on track to be named Scotland's new first minister after succeeding Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader.

The ferry is yet to be put into service. And he clapped like a seal when Nicola Sturgeon launched a ferry with painted on windows." However, it underlines the importance of being properly insured at all times." [his bid to run for first minister](https://news.sky.com/story/snp-leadership-race-humza-yousaf-and-ash-regan-announce-bids-to-succeed-nicola-sturgeon-12814777), Mr Yousaf said: "You've got to put yourself forward if you think you're the best person for the job. Mr Yousaf was elected as an MSP in 2011. Mr Yousaf claimed he was absent from the historic vote due to the case of a Scottish citizen on death row in Pakistan. Health boards are yet to recover from an extremely difficult winter which saw A&E waiting times reach record levels. "He delayed the dualling of the A9. Mr Ross was referring to Ms Sturgeon's "launch" of the MV Glen Sannox in 2017, which was said to have had painted on windows at the time. And I do. [Sturgeon and Murrell: The downfall of SNP power couple in less than 150 days](https://news.sky.com/story/nicola-sturgeon-and-peter-murrell-the-downfall-of-snp-power-couple-in-less-than-150-days-12838793) [Humza Yousaf accused of 'clapping like a seal' at launch of delayed ferry with 'painted on windows'](https://news.sky.com/story/snp-leadership-hopeful-humza-yousaf-under-fire-as-hes-accused-of-clapping-like-a-seal-at-launch-of-delayed-ferry-with-painted-on-windows-12817907) [Humza Yousaf skipped key vote on gay marriage due to 'religious pressure', claims Alex Salmond](https://news.sky.com/story/snp-leadership-hopeful-humza-yousaf-skipped-key-vote-on-gay-marriage-due-to-religious-pressure-says-scotlands-former-first-minister-alex-salmond-12823551) During his campaign, Mr Yousaf pledged to "work tirelessly" to improve the rights of women and girls.

New leader needs to convince Scotland that he can take the SNP in a fresh direction.

Yousaf’s allies suggest he has been underestimated but admit it is up to him to demonstrate his talents. It will involve countering his rival Kate Forbes’s attack that he was incompetent in the three policy briefs he held. He initially said he would take legal action, but then suggested he would only proceed if the advice suggested he could win. Yet his opponents suggest that if there was any real hope of another independence referendum, Sturgeon would still be in post. “He’s got to show he’s prepared to do that,” one said of Yousaf. Downing Street has already made it clear that Sunak’s response to Yousaf will be no different.

Having styled himself as the continuity candidate, the leadership contest has highlighted how much needs to change inside the party.

The campaign has signalled the end of “wheesht for indy” – all-pervasive internal discipline that meant frustrations about party management or policy were cut off in order to maintain focus on the main prize. By mid-April, he must also decide whether to contest the UK government’s block on Holyrood’s gender recognition bill. Working with him you realise he’s very on the ball and far from the buffoonish media caricature.” An hour after the result, Alex Salmond’s Alba party launched a recruitment drive based around Forbes’ slogan “continuity won’t cut it”. As much as the Scottish Labour leader, Anas Sarwar, decries Yousaf’s lack of electoral mandate, his mandate within the party itself is also slim. As an equalities activist I’ve never had to explain why something mattered.

Humza Yousaf faces some enormous challenges as he takes over from Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader and Scotland's first minister. Being the leader of a divided ...

At the start of the leadership contest Humza Yousaf seemed committed to challenging that position in court. While that is substantially true, it may not be the only factor. I expect that whatever she might be offered, Kate Forbes would want a fair amount of autonomy if she is to continue in government. Then of course there are significant policy issues to be addressed. That's not a prediction. In his acceptance speech, he acknowledged the "bruising" nature of the leadership campaign and called for divisions to be healed quickly.

Mr Yousaf beat Ash Regan and Kate Forbes in the contest to replace Nicola Sturgeon as SNP leader - and become the first Muslim to lead a major UK party.

He will now face a vote at the Scottish parliament before being formally confirmed as the country's sixth first minister. I will do that by treating you, the people of Scotland, with respect." [The life, political path and controversies of the new SNP leader](https://news.sky.com/story/humza-yousaf-the-life-political-path-and-controversies-of-the-new-snp-leader-12840910) [Five challenges Scotland's new first minister faces](https://news.sky.com/story/snp-leadership-race-five-key-challenges-scotlands-new-first-minister-will-face-as-sturgeons-successor-set-to-be-announced-12840005) [Yousaf's leadership win is big victory for SNP establishment](https://news.sky.com/story/humza-yousaf-the-life-political-path-and-controversies-of-the-new-snp-leader-12840910) [Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts](https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily) The new first minister is expected to be announced by the end of the day. [Mr Yousaf](https://news.sky.com/topic/humza-yousaf-10647) is the first Muslim to lead a major UK party. [Scotland](https://news.sky.com/topic/scotland-5866) expected to be formally sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday.

Newly appointed leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Humza Yousaf speaks at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh on March 27, 2023. Andy Buchanan/AFP/Getty ...

“We will be the generation that delivers independence for Scotland,” he said in a victory speech. It remains etched into the memories of many who experienced it, and their descendents. Britain’s Home Secretary Suella Braverman also has Indian roots, while London mayor Sadiq Khan was born to a working-class Pakistani immigrant family. In 2014, Scotland voted against independence by 55%. The hardship reached a breaking point when his grandmother was attacked with an axe, he said. His mother was born in Nairobi, Kenya, also to a family from Punjabi descent. But 75 years since the end of the British Raj, many commentators have remarked at how history has come full circle. [interview](https://www.holyrood.com/inside-politics/view,interview-humza-yousaf-on-tackling-hate-headon_9401.htm) with Scotland’s Holyrood newspaper, Yousaf explained in detail how his mother’s family faced racial discrimination in the East African city for being seen as taking away jobs from the local population. Yousaf joined the SNP while he was a student at the University of Glasgow and rose through the ranks of the party, becoming a member of parliament in 2011 – the first Muslim and non-White cabinet minister to serve in the Scottish Government. Noor Ahmed, from the Citizen’s Archive of Pakistan, a non-profit organization dedicated to cultural and historic preservation, described the journey Yousaf has taken as a “Pakistani story that is moving and aspirational, and will be lauded locally.” On Tuesday, the Scottish Parliament will vote to elect the country’s sixth first minister, a position Yousaf is expected to claim as the head of the party with the most lawmakers. “It was time to get away and again, it made sense because there was a British call for people from the Commonwealth to come and take on industrial jobs,” Yousaf said.

This bitterly fought contest has only widened divisions, and the opposition parties are already circling, says Herald columnist Dani Garavelli.

But the Greens would have been the likely beneficiaries of a mass exit of “woke” members, and Forbes might have proved a challenging adversary across the chamber. It is impossible yet to know if Scottish Labour will rise to the occasion and capitalise on the widening faultlines within the SNP. And, of course, there is still the police probe into the [£600,000 of funds](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/nicola-sturgeon-600k-husband-investigation-b2283471.html) said to have gone missing from the party’s accounts (the party has not responded to the allegation, due to the ongoing investigation). [new taxes for the wealthy](https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/news/politics/humza-yousaf-back-wealth-tax-29553552) is preferable to Forbes’s more conservative economic bent. The divisions within the party, and the miasma of failure around it, have only increased as a result of a bitterly fought contest and a relentless succession of bad news stories, something that is evident in the tight result. It was a growing recognition that the Salmond/Sturgeon era had run out of steam that led to her resignation. One of the quirks of the contest was that many unionist activists and commentators seemed to be lobbying for Forbes, which suggests they thought a victory for her would most boost their own position. Meanwhile, his predisposition to fight the UK government on its section 35 obstruction of the SNP’s [gender recognition reform bill](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jan/16/rishi-sunak-blocks-scotlands-gender-recognition-legislation) may be exactly what the progressives who voted for him want; but it will also rekindle the divisions that helped force his predecessor’s exit. [came through in the end](https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2023/mar/27/humza-yousaf-elected-leader-scottish-national-party-snp), although by a tighter margin than any new leader of a party would want. With no second referendum on the horizon, and Sturgeon out of the picture, the cork has popped off the bottle and will not be forced back in. As the “establishment” candidate, he already has the support of the majority of MSPs and ministers. He will find it easier than Forbes would have done to form a cabinet, and his election makes it unlikely the Greens will walk out of their powersharing deal, as they had already

He has pledged to be a "first minister for all of Scotland" after being chosen by party members to replace Nicola Sturgeon. Mr Yousaf, who had been serving as ...

Humza Yousaf has indicated he would like to continue that support, and indeed make it more of a priority for the Scottish government. Or does more of the focus need to be on poverty and disadvantage itself? None of these are simple, single issues to be filed away. An appeal for extra funding was met instead with the threat of 10% cuts. There's the clamour, notably from retailers, to reform business rates. Humza Yousaf is well aware of the mammoth task required to fix the problems across health and social care. And there is a question mark over economic strategy. But to deliver that will have to involve unpopular decisions about what the healthcare system can and cannot afford. But worries have been expressed that it is sometimes proving harder for other young people - who are not necessarily actively advantaged - to get places on certain courses. Can the government properly reset its strained relationship with teachers after the recent strike? It wanted to be judged by its progress raising attainment and helping children and young people from disadvantaged areas. Inevitably, the pandemic has thrown up new problems which are still real issues.

Fifteen paragraphs into his victory speech yesterday, the new leader of the Scottish National Party thought to mention “independence”. Later he developed the ...

On day two of the hearing, Prince Harry is again in Room 76. Joe Biden said gun violence was “ripping the soul of the nation” and repeated calls for Congress to ban assault-style weapons – which the Nashville shooter carried. While universities like Princeton and Harvard have now bowed to student pressure to divest their endowments, the reach of fossil fuels into academia still runs deep. In one instance a senior scientific advisor for Exxon taught an engineering class at Princeton on “negative emissions technologies” during which he reportedly criticised the university’s decision to divest from fossil fuels and said the climate emergency was “not our fault”. The Pope image was also cropped so it had no background to establish context – images posted on Reddit of the Pope [playing Glastonbury](https://www.reddit.com/r/midjourney/comments/123hz0y/remember_when_the_pope_played_glastonbury/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3) are clearly easier to clock as fake. But he’s vulnerable to the charge of failing up and is seen by many as a For the SNP establishment and the segment of the Scottish national Venn diagram where “progressive”, “pro-independence” and “pro-European” overlap, Humza Yousaf offers a beguiling picnic of promises. [New Scientist](https://www.newscientist.com/article/2366312-should-you-be-worried-that-an-ai-picture-of-the-pope-went-viral/) that the Pope image was the “first real mass-level AI misinformation case”. The chief executive of Nammo, which is co-owned by the Norwegian government, told the He stands for higher taxes, action against poverty, action on net zero, a “well-being economy” and – via independence – a return to the EU. And who’s to say a man who took his first oath as an MSP in Urdu and a kilt can’t ride it? Fifteen paragraphs into his victory speech yesterday, the new leader of the Scottish National Party thought to mention “independence”.

The new SNP leader promised to 'respect the views' of opposition parties and to 'never shy away from tackling the big issues' faced by Scotland.

"I will work every hour of every day to harness the potential of Scotland and every single person in it. [Click to subscribe to the Sky News Daily wherever you get your podcasts](https://podfollow.com/skynewsdaily) A party I joined almost 20 years ago and that I love so dearly." I will lead a government that listens carefully and respects the views of all MSPs. [shock resignation last month](https://news.sky.com/story/scotlands-first-minister-nicola-sturgeon-is-to-resign-12811532), the race to replace her featured [rows over religious beliefs](https://news.sky.com/story/kate-forbes-says-her-campaign-for-scotlands-first-minister-not-over-after-equal-marriage-backlash-12816283), arguments about the [recollection of past events](https://news.sky.com/story/snp-leadership-hopeful-humza-yousaf-skipped-key-vote-on-gay-marriage-due-to-religious-pressure-says-scotlands-former-first-minister-alex-salmond-12823551), and widespread criticism of [secrecy surrounding the vote](https://news.sky.com/story/snp-has-lost-around-30-000-party-members-since-2021-12835441). [victory in the SNP leadership race on Monday](https://news.sky.com/story/humza-yousaf-announced-as-new-scottish-national-party-leader-replacing-nicola-sturgeon-12843363), the 37-year-old faced a vote at Holyrood to confirm him as Nicola Sturgeon's successor.

Voiced by artificial intelligence. LONDON — Humza Yousaf will replace Nicola Sturgeon as Scotland's first minister tomorrow, after the Scottish parliament ...

Yousaf will then begin the process of assembling his cabinet. Currently first minister-designate, Yousaf will formally become first minister tomorrow morning when he is sworn in at the Court of Session. After second preference votes were taken into account, he won 52.1 percent of the vote compared to 47.9 percent for Forbes.