Humza Yousaf elected as sixth First Minister
West Highlands politicians have reacted to Humza Yousaf’s election as SNP leader and Scotland’s sixth First Minister.
Mr Yousaf defeated Kate Forbes and Ash Regan in a leadership contest, before being formally elected at Holyrood on Tuesday March 28.
Mr Yousaf was confirmed as the first ethnic minority leader of a devolved government after the opposition leaders Alex-Cole Hamilton, Douglas Ross and Anas Sarwar - stood against him on Tuesday.
Mr Yousaf was Scotland’s health secretary under Ms Sturgeon and was widely assumed to be her preferred successor during a contest that exposed SNP divisions.
The 37-year-old said it was “the greatest honour and privilege of my life” and that independence would be won “on the doorsteps”, pledging to kickstart a grassroots campaign.
He added: “Over the last five weeks we may have been competitors or supporters of different candidates. We are no longer team Humza, or team Ash, or team Kate, we are one team.”
Ms Forbes said: “Whatever the robust disagreements or frank exchanges of the last few weeks, I am confident we will unite behind Humza as our new party leader in the shared and common objective of independence.”
Ms Regan said: “It was a lively contest, I wish him well and I back him as he leads our party - and I would encourage everyone to get behind Team SNP.”
Argyll and Bute’s SNP MSP Jenni Minto said: “Congratulations to the new SNP leader and the next First
Minister of Scotland Humza
Yousaf.”
However, the Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP, Jamie Halcro Johnston said: “While the SNP’s turbulent leadership contest may have ended, choosing the SNP HQbacked continuity candidate, Humza Yousaf will leave the party more divided than ever.
“Under Nicola Sturgeon’s leadership, Scotland was plagued by division, failed policies and an obsession with independence at the expense of delivering better public services and a strong economy.
“The election of her favoured candidate will do nothing to change that.
“The election of another Central Belt nationalist politician with little understanding of, and no interest in, our region is extremely worrying.”
He added: “His time as health secretary has seen too many local health services either reduced or cut entirely and longer waiting lists.
“Humza Yousaf has already promised to continue the SNP’s obsession with independence which comes at the expense of the real priorities of the Scottish people.”
The contest result was, however, welcomed by the Scottish Greens who unanimously backed Mr Yousaf to ensure the continuation of the Bute House Agreement, which formed a minority government in 2021.
Green MSP for the Highlands and Islands Ariane Burgess said: “It is a significant milestone for Scotland to elect its first Muslim First Minister and a vote of confidence in the positive, progressive and collaborative politics he represents.”