SCOTLAND's former first minister Humza Yousaf has announced his departure from politics, signalling a move towards a "global stage" where he aims to focus on conflict resolution and combating far-Right extremism.
Yousaf, who stepped down in April after a brief and turbulent tenure, confirmed he will not seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026, the Telegraph reported.
Reflecting on his political journey, Yousaf said he plans to leverage the lessons from his 15 years in Holyrood to contribute internationally.
“I think I’ve got a lot to contribute, things that I’ve learned of what to do, things that I’ve learned of what not to do,” he remarked during an interview with journalist Mehdi Hasan. He stressed his passion for fostering global peace and addressing the rise of populism in Western nations.
Yousaf’s political career has been marked by both ambition and controversy. His resignation as first minister followed the collapse of the coalition agreement with the Scottish Greens, a deal he had previously championed as “worth its weight in gold.”
The fallout led to a motion of no confidence from the Greens, ending his leadership after just over a year. His tenure also faced scrutiny over a police investigation into SNP finances and a series of missteps, including an ill-judged remark to Ukrainian refugees about their absent male family members.
Despite these challenges, Yousaf expressed pride in his accomplishments and reiterated his commitment to Scottish independence. He suggested that international mediators could play a role in future negotiations between the UK and Scottish governments over a new referendum.
Responses to his announcement have been mixed. Scottish Tory MSP Stephen Kerr criticised Yousaf’s track record, stating, “World leaders will likely think twice when they see his abysmal record in government, where he repeatedly failed the people of Scotland.”
In contrast, former first minister John Swinney offered a more supportive view, calling Yousaf a “pioneer in Scottish politics” and wishing peace to him and his family.
According to the report, he leaves behind a complex legacy, characterised by both lofty aspirations and significant controversies.
An aerial view of the British Steel Scunthorpe site on September 13, 2024. (Photo: Getty Images)