Humza Yousaf Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026

Former First Minister of Scotland Humza Yousaf has announced he will not seek re-election as an MSP in the 2026 Holyrood elections, marking the end of his 15-year tenure in parliament. In his resignation letter to successor John Swinney, Yousaf expressed his gratitude for serving as the representative for Glasgow Pollok and emphasized the importance of allowing a new generation of MSPs to emerge. After resigning earlier this year following a fallout with the Green Party, Yousaf has remained a backbencher and reflected on his political journey, including his historic role as Scotland's first Muslim leader. He indicated that stepping away from frontline politics will enable him to contribute in different ways to address pressing global challenges. Additionally, Yousaf commented on his political experiences, including the collapse of his coalition government and ongoing global issues, such as the situation in Gaza.