In 2023, Humza Yousaf made history when he was elected as Scotland’s first minister, making him the first Muslim leader of a Western democracy. Yet, that term was cut short this past spring after Yousaf was forced to resign from the post, as his coalition government fell apart.
Since then, Yousaf has remained a backbench member of the Scottish Parliament.
However, in this exclusive interview with Zeteo in London, Humza Yousaf announces that he will not be seeking re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026, telling Mehdi that it’s time for him to “step away from frontline politics.”
“I think the time is right for me to step down, step away from frontline politics and make way for the next generation of elected members,” Yousaf says to Mehdi.
In this wide-ranging interview, the former leader of Scotland discusses his fallout with the Green Party earlier this year, which ultimately led to the collapse of his coalition government, saying that terminating the power-sharing agreement with the Greens was, “the right thing to have done.”
“My successor is no longer encumbered with that deal, [he] can make decisions in policy that he wants to take forward in our country's interest without having to negotiate and compromise with the Greens. They can do that on an issue by issue basis, which I think is the best way to do it,” Yousaf says.
Yousaf also discusses the Middle East with Mehdi, telling him that the UK Labour Party is complicit in Israel’s genocide on Gaza.
“There's no doubt in my mind at all they are complicit. And I hope and pray that I live to see the day that all of those who are complicit are held accountable for these crimes,” Yousaf tells Mehdi.
Mehdi asks Yousaf about his feud with billionaire Elon Musk, with the former first minister reiterating why he thinks Musk is, “one of the most dangerous men on the planet.”
Yousaf also sounds the alarm about reports that Musk has been considering donating to the hard-right Reform UK party (Musk has denied these reports).
Watch the full exclusive interview above to hear Mehdi and Yousaf also discuss the rise of Islamophobia and the UK race riots from this past summer, his party’s catastrophic performance in the UK’s general election this year, and the Pakistani government’s continued imprisonment of former prime minister Imran Khan.
As a middle-aged, white Scottish woman, who has spent the whole of her life dreaming of a free, fully inclusive independent Scotland, where every single person who lives in our beautiful country, regardless of their race, religion, gender, disability, or any other identity which has so shamefully been used by hateful groups to attempt to divide us, can live in harmony and prosper as the people of a self-determining nation. We need politicians like Humza Yousaf!!! I'm gutted that he's decided to stand down in our next Scottish Parliamentary elections!!! I do, however, thank him for his service and his moral courage, especially when it comes to calling for an end to the horrific genocide in Gaza being committed by Israel, and for a full arms embargo. I also wish him and his family all the very best for their future, (in Scotland, I hope!).
Great interview. I wonder if he stepped down because he feels his life is threatened with the increase of Islamaphopia as a side consequence of October 7th. His footprint will be missed in these times we need leaders like him able to see a different future.
Excellent interview. May GOD bless Mehdi and Humza with more success.
It's a shame Scotland's government has lost this intelligent, compassionate man and father.
Excellent interview. What a role model Yousaf is. Irreplacable in frontline politics. Look forward to seeing what role comes next. Free Palestine.
I may not be Scottish but I have had Scottish friends years ago. I have long been supportive of Scottish independence, as I am supportive of finding a way for Northern Ireland to once again, rejoin the republic.
This was a good interview and I hope his wishes come true someday. Unfortunately, with the rise of nationalism due to failed economic policies, things are probably only going to get worse in the west.
I think it's a rise of ethno nationalism / christian wasp nationalism or white Christian nationalism. I have seen usa accounts tell people of other religions that they should not be there because ireland is a Christian country. By the way I am white European .🇮🇪
Great interview. We need more politicians like Humza. Good luck in whatever he does next.
Great interview, shame to see Hamza Yousaf step back but I believe he will go onwards and upwards. We need more voices like his.
Keep an eye on Humza Yousaf!! He is going places. Cant wait to see what you do next