Humza Yousaf: The Political Rise That Took Him to Scotland’s Top Job

Introduction

Humza Yousaf is a Scottish politician best known for serving as First Minister of Scotland from March 2023 to May 2024. He also led the Scottish National Party during that period.

His rise made history. He became Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister and its first First Minister from a minority ethnic background. He was also the youngest person to hold the office at the time.

That chapter is now closed.

As of October 2026, Yousaf is no longer a Member of the Scottish Parliament. His Glasgow Pollok term ended on 8 April 2026 after he chose not to stand again. He now works outside elected politics.

Quick Facts

Detail	Information
Name	Humza Yousaf
Date of Birth	7 April 1985
Birthplace	Glasgow, Scotland
Profession	Former politician, speaker and leadership adviser
Political Party	Scottish National Party
Former Constituency	Glasgow Pollok
First Minister of Scotland	March 2023 – May 2024
SNP Leader	March 2023 – May 2024
First elected as MSP	2011
Left Scottish Parliament	April 2026
University	University of Glasgow
Degree	Politics
Current Work	Leadership advisory, speaking, writing and media work

His birth details and education are supported by the University of Edinburgh, while his parliamentary service dates come directly from the Scottish Parliament.

Early Life in Glasgow

Humza Yousaf was born in Glasgow on 7 April 1985.

He grew up in Scotland and attended Hutchesons’ Grammar School. Politics caught his attention early.

This was not a passing interest.

He later studied politics at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 2007. The university lists him among its notable alumni.

His route into politics started behind the scenes.

Yousaf worked as an aide to the late Bashir Ahmad MSP, who was Scotland’s first Muslim MSP. Yousaf has spoken publicly about Ahmad as a friend and mentor.

That experience gave him an early look at Holyrood life.

Soon, he wanted his own seat.

Humza Yousaf’s Political Career

Yousaf entered the Scottish Parliament in 2011, representing the Glasgow region for the SNP.

He was 26.

His move into government came quickly. In September 2012, he became Minister for External Affairs and International Development.

More government jobs followed.

From 2014 to 2016, he served as Minister for Europe and International Development.

Then came a constituency win.

In 2016, voters elected him as MSP for Glasgow Pollok. That same year, he became Minister for Transport and the Islands.

His profile kept growing.

In June 2018, Yousaf joined the Scottish Cabinet as Cabinet Secretary for Justice.

He held that job until 2021.

Then he moved to health.

Running Scotland’s Health Department

Yousaf became Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care in May 2021.

It was a tough brief.

Scotland’s health service was dealing with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, pressure on NHS services and growing waiting lists.

He remained Health Secretary until March 2023.

By then, Scottish politics was changing fast.

Nicola Sturgeon announced her resignation as First Minister and SNP leader. A party leadership contest followed.

Yousaf entered it.

And he won.

Becoming First Minister

The SNP elected Yousaf as party leader on 27 March 2023.

A day later, members of the Scottish Parliament voted on who should become Scotland’s next First Minister.

Yousaf won the parliamentary vote.

He formally took office on 29 March 2023.

It was a big moment.

He became the first Scots Asian and Muslim MSP elected as First Minister. The Scottish Government also records him as the youngest and first person of colour to hold the office.

For Yousaf, it carried personal meaning too.

During his speech in Parliament, he talked about growing up as a young Scottish Asian and choosing politics rather than one of the professional careers his family might have expected.

His time at the top, though, lasted a little over a year.

Why Did He Resign?

The turning point arrived in April 2024.

Yousaf’s government had been working with the Scottish Greens under the Bute House Agreement, a formal co-operation deal.

On 25 April 2024, Yousaf ended that agreement.

The decision took effect immediately.

Political pressure rose quickly.

The SNP was running a minority government, and confidence votes were approaching.

Yousaf later admitted that he had underestimated how much hurt the way he ended the agreement would cause Green colleagues.

On 29 April 2024, he announced plans to stand down.

He said repairing political relationships would need someone else leading the government.

His resignation became formal on 7 May 2024.

John Swinney succeeded him as First Minister.

What Happened After Bute House?

Leaving Bute House did not mean leaving Parliament straight away.

Yousaf continued serving as MSP for Glasgow Pollok.

He stayed on the Scottish Parliament backbenches through the rest of the parliamentary term.

But he had already decided his next election would be different.

Yousaf chose not to stand for re-election at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

His service as Glasgow Pollok MSP officially ended on 8 April 2026.

That ended roughly 15 years as an elected MSP.

What Is He Doing Now?

His working life looks different now.

Yousaf’s official website describes him as a former First Minister of Scotland rather than an active elected politician.

His work currently includes private leadership advice, leadership programmes, speaking engagements, media appearances and writing.

Basically, he has moved from holding political office to sharing what he learned while working in government.

His website also promotes Pursuit of Purpose, a publication focused on leadership, governance and public life.

There is another major project too.

In 2026, Yousaf began promoting his book Under Fire: My Family’s Escape from Gaza and the Cost of Leadership.

His official events page states that the book was published on 1 October 2026, with UK appearances linked to its release.

So, yes, he remains visible.

Just in a different role.

Personal Life

Yousaf keeps working with his family close to him.

His official website describes him as a husband and father of three.

It also names Nadia El-Nakla in connection with the Office of Humza and Nadia Yousaf. The site says she is a qualified psychotherapist and may contribute to some of its leadership and resilience work.

The pair are also developing a charitable project.

For now, the website describes the foundation as being “in the making,” so it should not be treated as a fully launched charity yet.

His Place in Scottish Political History

Yousaf’s time as First Minister was fairly short.

His wider political career was much longer.

He first entered Holyrood in 2011, joined the Scottish Government in 2012, reached the Cabinet in 2018 and became First Minister in 2023.

That path is easy to track.

His election to Scotland’s top political office also broke a barrier that had stood throughout the history of devolution.

He became Scotland’s first Muslim First Minister and first minority ethnic First Minister.

His period in office also ended in an unusually fast political crisis.

Both parts matter.

One explains why his election received international attention. The other explains why his premiership remains closely studied in Scottish politics.

Final Thought

Humza Yousaf went from working behind the scenes at Holyrood to leading the Scottish Government.

It happened fast.

He served in transport, justice and health before reaching the First Minister’s office. His premiership lasted from March 2023 until May 2024, but his parliamentary career continued until April 2026.

Now the job has changed.

He is no longer an MSP or government minister. His current work sits around leadership advice, speaking, writing and public discussion.

That makes his story different today.

It is no longer about his next government job. It is about what he chooses to do after nearly 15 years as an elected politician.

FAQs

Who is Humza Yousaf?

Humza Yousaf is a Scottish former politician who served as First Minister of Scotland and leader of the SNP from 2023 to 2024.

Is Humza Yousaf still an MSP?

No. His term as MSP for Glasgow Pollok ended on 8 April 2026. He did not stand for re-election.

When was he First Minister of Scotland?

He formally took office on 29 March 2023 and stepped down on 7 May 2024.

Why did he resign as First Minister?

His resignation followed the end of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens and the political pressure that followed. Yousaf said rebuilding relationships across Parliament would require someone else to lead the government.

Where did he study?

He attended Hutchesons’ Grammar School and later studied politics at the University of Glasgow, graduating in 2007.

What is Humza Yousaf doing now?

As of October 2026, his official website lists work in leadership advisory, leadership programmes, public speaking, writing and media.

Is he still leader of the SNP?

No. His term as SNP leader ended in May 2024.

Does Humza Yousaf have a book?

Yes. His official site lists Under Fire: My Family’s Escape from Gaza and the Cost of Leadership, published on 1 October 2026.