Humza Yousaf Wins SNP Leadership Race

Humza Yusef will replace Nicola Sturgeon as leader of the SNP

1 min read31 min

Humza Yousaf has been elected as the new leader of the SNP after defeating rival candidates Kate Forbes and Ash Regan.

Yousaf, 37, who was widely seen as the continuity candidate, will take over from Nicola Sturgeon, who led the party since 2014.

He is expected to be confirmed as first minister tomorrow following a vote in the Scottish Parliament.

Currently health secretary, Yousaf has held briefs including transport and justice during his time in government.

He was first elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2011, having previously worked for the SNP.

During the leadership contest, Yousaf said he would go to court to challenge the UK Government’s decision to block the Gender Recognition Reform bill.

He has pledged to tackle poverty and argued that his party must build a case for Scottish independence. He has also indicated his willingness to look again at Scotland’s controversial National Care Service.

This breaking story originally appeared in Holyrood.

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