Humza Yousaf will quit the Scottish Parliament at the next Holyrood election in 2026, the former first minister has announced.
The senior Nationalist said today “the time is right” for him to move away from frontline politics and seek other opportunities after 15 years as an MSP.
Yousaf has been a backbencher at Holyrood since he resigned as first minister in April this year, following the sudden collapse of a powersharing deal with the Greens.
He spent a little over a year in the top job in Scottish politics after winning a bitter leadership race in March 2023 to replace Nicola Sturgeon.
Yousaf said: “I think the time is right for me to step down, step away from frontline politics and make way for the next generation of elected members.”
The Glasgow Pollok MSP also defended his decision to terminate the Bute House Agreement with the Greens, which led to the downfall of his administration.
He said: “My successor is no longer encumbered with that deal. He can make decisions in policy that he wants to take forward in our country’s interest without having to negotiate and compromise with the Greens. They can do that on an issue by issue basis, which I think is the best way to do it.”
Yousaf also spoke about his recent spat with Elon Musk and the tech billionaire’s growing influence in American politiccs.
“He is apparently sitting in the interviews for chief of staff, for secretaries of state and living in Mar-a-Lago. And if he is trying to emulate that influence in the next UK general election, that should – as I say – ring alarm bells right up and down the country.”
John Swinney, who succeeded Yousaf as First Minister, said: “I am sorry to see Humza Yousaf stepping down from the Scottish Parliament.
“He has been a pioneer in Scottish politics. I value all he has contributed to Scottish Government and the SNP and look forward to his continued involvement. I wish Humza, Nadia and their family much peace together.”
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