Humza Yousaf Announces Plans to Step Down as MSP at 2026 Election

Humza Yousaf’s departure from the Scottish Parliament in 2026 will mark the end of an era for the SNP, but his tenure as First Minister will undoubtedly be remembered for its turbulence, his political miscalculations, and his high-profile feuds, notably with tech billionaire Elon Musk. As the first Muslim leader of a devolved government and the first ethnic minority to hold such a prominent political position in the UK, Yousaf’s time in the spotlight has been a blend of groundbreaking achievements and significant challenges.

Humza Yousaf’s rise to the office of First Minister in March 2023 marked a historic milestone. He was the first ethnic minority leader of a devolved government in the UK and the first Muslim to lead a major political party in the country. His ascent represented a powerful statement about the potential for inclusivity and diversity in leadership positions within Scotland.

As the son of Pakistani immigrants, Yousaf’s leadership was celebrated by many as an embodiment of the values of equality and opportunity. He was seen as a trailblazer who would inspire future generations of young people from all backgrounds to enter politics. His early leadership highlighted issues of social justice, with Yousaf addressing topics such as racial inequality and the lack of diversity in senior positions across Scotland’s institutions.

However, his tenure was also marked by significant internal and external challenges, and his leadership would ultimately be short-lived.

One of the most significant moments of Yousaf’s time as First Minister was the collapse of the power-sharing agreement between the SNP and the Scottish Greens, known as the Bute House Agreement. This partnership had been a key element in enabling the SNP to maintain a majority in the Scottish Parliament.

The agreement’s breakdown was a direct result of Yousaf’s decision to end the coalition, which he later admitted was a mistake. In his resignation speech, Yousaf acknowledged that he had “underestimated” the level of discontent that the decision had caused, particularly within the Green Party, who were left feeling betrayed.

The collapse of the agreement was seen by many as an early indication of Yousaf’s inability to manage the SNP’s internal dynamics. Critics argued that his decision was not only politically short-sighted but also led to the fracturing of the SNP’s broader coalition for the sake of political expediency.

Yousaf’s decision to terminate the agreement was also widely viewed as a failure to unite the party and keep it on course towards delivering key political goals, such as Scottish independence. While the Greens were quick to criticise the move, it also led to a broader questioning of Yousaf’s leadership capabilities within the SNP and beyond.

During Yousaf’s time as First Minister, his feud with Elon Musk, the billionaire CEO of X (formerly Twitter), was another high-profile controversy that distracted from his political focus. The conflict began after Yousaf’s 2020 speech on racial inequality, in which he highlighted the systemic racism present in Scottish institutions.

The speech, which was intended to draw attention to the lack of people of colour in Scotland’s senior leadership positions, was widely misrepresented on social media. Edited clips of the speech went viral, with right-wing accounts accusing Yousaf of suggesting there were “too many white people” in key positions of power.

Elon Musk, who had recently rebranded Twitter as X, took to the platform to call Yousaf a “blatant racist” based on the misrepresented footage. The accusation quickly caught global attention, with Musk’s vast following amplifying the narrative. Yousaf responded robustly, stating, “Racists foaming at the mouth at my very existence,” before sharing a humorous gif to defuse the situation.

While Yousaf’s response was a deflection of sorts, the exchange added to the already tense political climate surrounding him. It drew attention away from important political discussions and painted Yousaf as being embroiled in an unproductive dispute with one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. For many, the feud was a distraction from the serious challenges Yousaf was facing as First Minister.

Yousaf’s short time as First Minister is now marked by a series of missed opportunities, particularly in terms of strategic leadership. While he did show a firm stance on key issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where he called for an immediate ceasefire, his tenure as First Minister was overshadowed by the internal turmoil within his own party and a series of political missteps.

Yousaf’s tenure as First Minister was often characterised as reactive rather than proactive, and his inability to maintain the SNP-Green power-sharing agreement exposed significant weaknesses in his leadership. By the time of his resignation, Yousaf had alienated key members of his party and the broader political landscape, culminating in his decision to step down.

However, despite these setbacks, Yousaf's departure from the political stage could provide an opportunity for the SNP to rebuild its internal unity and refocus its efforts on the broader goal of Scottish independence.

Despite stepping down as First Minister and announcing his intention to leave the Scottish Parliament in 2026, Yousaf’s influence is unlikely to disappear entirely. He has expressed a desire to continue contributing to the political landscape in some capacity, with a focus on addressing global challenges. Yousaf’s passion for Scottish independence remains strong, and he is likely to remain a key figure in the campaign for Scotland's future.

While Yousaf’s political journey may not have unfolded as he had hoped, his legacy as a trailblazer for diversity and inclusion in politics is undeniable. His early departure from the First Minister’s office may have been the result of internal political failures, but his story serves as a reminder of the complexities of political leadership in the modern age.

As he steps away from the spotlight, Yousaf’s future remains uncertain, but his time in Scottish politics will undoubtedly continue to be a subject of debate and reflection for years to come.