Humza Yousaf will not seek re-election as a member of the Scottish Parliament at the next election in 2026, saying “the time will be right for me to move on.”
Triggernometry podcast co-host Francis Foster responded that “the time was ‘right to move on’ when you tried to criminalise speech in people’s homes.”
Indeed, the former Scottish first minister—whose short tenure earned him the nickname “Humza the Brief”—is likely to be best remembered for his dystopian ‘hate crime’ law, which critics said “transformed Scotland into a place of international mockery.” Or for his race-baiting, such as when he ranted about white Scots in positions of power. Or, indeed, for his “championing of dangerous gender ideology,” demonstrated by his banning of ‘trans conversion therapy.’
Spiked editor Tom Slater described Yousaf as “easily the most clownish of the ‘progressive’ authoritarians,” adding:
His only saving grace was that his rank ineptitude prevented him from imposing all of his sinister schemes on a reluctant public.
The former Scottish National Party leader stepped down as first minister in April this year, just days after he said he intended “absolutely to fight” for his following a vast array of missteps.
His party appeared to purposefully opt for a “dull” leader after Yousaf to enjoy a period less marked by scandal.
Announcing his plan to step down at the next election, Yousaf reminded Scots of his progressive credentials one last time, saying that “as the son of immigrants, I could never have imagined the incredible political journey I have been on. I feel blessed.”
He described serving as first minister as “the greatest honour of my life.”