Humza’s failed political career

Humza Yousaf in his resignation speech said

“If only every person in Scotland could be afforded the opportunity of being first minister for just one day.”

I wonder if he realises how insulting these words are to those who have to queue up for a meal on the Glasgow streets in all weathers, those who are waiting for life saving NHS treatment and those students who want to study at Scottish universities but can’t get places as the government has to allow so many paying overseas students to keep universities afloat.

For his 13 months in the role of First Minister, he will receive a £52k “resettlement grant” – a grant that he has no need of as he will still be paid handsomely as an MSP. Yes, imagine if every person could be FM for a day, regardless of abilities and walk away with £52k.

Humza Yousaf failed upwards at every position he has ever held in Holyrood. His 4 years as Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development were so uninspiring as to often be forgotten.

He is remembered as a failed Transport Minister who couldn’t manage to arrange for two ferries to be built. He was then moved to Secretary of Justice where he oversaw the hate crime bill, which was so bad that it took three years to bring it into force and has caused so much additional work for our already stretched police force.

Nicola Sturgeon in her wisdom moved him into the position of Health Secretary during the Covid pandemic. Who can forget him messaging Jason Leitch, the then Clinical Director and admitting that he was winging it?

The only thing he had going for him was that he was useful to Nicola Sturgeon and her followers in the party which led to him becoming First Minister. The “continuity candidate” continued to fail at whatever he put his hand to.

Yousaf was perhaps the weakest First Minister to have even held the position. Hand the £52k back, Yousaf. You haven’t earned it.

Jane Lax, Aberlour