Humza Yousaf to Quit Frontline Politics Amid Concerns Over Elon Musk’s Influence

Humza Yousaf to Quit Frontline Politics Amid Concerns Over Elon Musk’s Influence

The former first minister of Scotland, Humza Yousaf, has declared he will distance himself from front-stage politics at the next Scottish elections, set for May 2026. Last year, 39-year-old Yousaf became the first Muslim to run a European government; he wrote a letter to his Glasgow Pollok constituency party outlining his decision.

“I will have been an MSP for fifteen years when the next Holyrood elections take place,” Yousaf said. “I hope my successes motivate young people from any background to pursue public service.”

Since resigning as first minister in April following a political split with his coalition partners, the Scottish Greens, Yousaf has been a backbencher.

This indicates what Nicola Sturgeon’s future holds.

Yoursaf’s decision to resign has heightened rumours about his predecessor, Nicola Sturgeon. Sturgeon has yet to decide whether to run for reelection, even though she has declared her intentions to submit nomination papers for the 2026 elections.

Viewers generally hope Sturgeon will leave politics instead of staying on the backbenches. Her possible departure could dramatically change the Scottish political scene.

Why Is Humza Yousaf worried about the impact of Elon Musk?

In a recent interview, Yousaf warned about Elon Musk’s increasing political power, especially in the US and the UK. He charged the billionaire with meddling in elections and spreading false information meant to cause social disturbance.

“Alarm bells ought to be ringing right up and down British politics about the threat Musk poses,” Yousaf said, citing Musk’s allegedly intended far-right bankrolling through Reform UK.

Having run afoul of Musk on several X social media platforms, Yousaf claimed: “He amplified disinformation that surely lit the fuse for some of the race riots we saw in Southport this summer.”

The former first minister also mentioned Musk’s notable impact on the US political scene. “After financing Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, Musk supposedly resides in Mar-a-Lago, sitting in interviews for chief of staff and secretary of state. Should he aim to replicate that impact in the next UK general election, it should cause national concerns.

Why did you end the coalition with the Scottish Greens?

Yousaf also defended his divisive choice earlier this year to break the power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens. He claimed ending the alliance gave his successor, John Swinney, more freedom to run efficiently.

“They can now decide without consulting and compromising with the Greens,” Yousaf said. “I believe the best approach is for them to accomplish that issue by issue.”

A turning point in Scottish politics, his choice to split the coalition opened the path for Swinney’s more nimble style of running government.

Yousaf's perspective on the UK's involvement in the Gaza crisis?

Yousaf did not hold back while criticizing the Labour administration of the United Kingdom on its posture on the Israel-Gaza crisis. He charged the administration of cooperation in what he claimed to be a “genocide” in Gaza.

Yousaf said, “There is no doubt, in my opinion, that the UK Labour administration is participating in genocide. How can they not be?

Drawing on the extent of destruction, he said: “We have an Israel, a government that has killed at least 45,000 people. Leading such a regime carries an ICC arrest warrant for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Still, shockingly, this government—the UK government—is shipping weapons, arms, and F-35 fighter components.

With what legacy will Yousaf leave?

Yousaf’s career marks a turning point for diversity in European leadership even as he gets ready to depart front-stage politics following a demanding stint. His tendering of resignation as first minister signalled the end of a period of the coalition government in Scotland. His comments on world affairs and worries about outside political influence show his continuous involvement in home and foreign matters.

Yousaf’s political career will be remembered through his successes or his frank criticism of world leaders such as Elon Musk.

“I hope I’ve shown young people – regardless of where they come from or who they are – that there’s a place for them in public service,” he said.

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