Who is Humza Yousaf? Scotland’s first elected Muslim minister

On Tuesday, Humza Yousaf made history by becoming the first minority leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). In this article, you will know about his early life, political career, etc

Who is Humza Yousaf?

Humza Yousaf, originally known as Humza Haroon Yousaf is the newly elected Muslim leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP). Yousaf previously worked under his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon as justice secretary from 2018 to 2021 but has now succeeded him as party leader. Here are more personal details about him;

Humza Yousaf: Childhood

Born to Pakistani immigrant parents on April 7, 1985, in Glasgow, Scotland, Humza Yousaf grew up in a working-class family in the Pollokshields area of ​​Glasgow. His father, Mian Muzaffar Yousaf was an accountant and his grandfather worked in a sewing machine factory in Clydebank. His mother Shaaista Bhutta was born in Nairobi, Kenya, where she experienced racism that caused her to migrate to Scotland.

Humza Yousaf: Educational background

Humza Yousaf attended Hutchesons Grammar School, a private school in Glasgow. There he studied Modern Studies, which later motivated him to learn more about politics. After finishing high school, Yousaf went on to study Politics and Scottish Literature at the University of Glasgow.

Humza Yousaf: Career

Yusuf’s involvement in community engagement motivated him to participate in various youth organizations from a young age. He started with a charity fundraising organization called Islamic Relief, where he worked in community radio for 12 years. In 2005, he joined the Scottish National Party (SNP) while studying at the University of Glasgow. After completing his degree, Yusuf worked at a call center before working as an assistant to Bashir Ahmad and then to other members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) including Anne McLaughlin and Alex Salmond. While working as an assistant, Yousaf participated in the International Visitor Leadership Program in 2008. A year later, he was honored with the “Future Political Force” award at the 2009 Scottish Young Minorities Awards .

Journey to becoming leader of the SNP

A member of the Scottish government since 2011, Yusuf has held a number of ministerial posts. From 2011 to 2012, he held the position of Head of Foreign Affairs and International Development. Then, in 2012, he was appointed Minister for Europe and International Development. In 2014, he served as Minister of Transport and Islands. Additionally, from 2018 to 2021, he served as Justice Secretary under First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Then, on Tuesday, he was elected leader of the SNP and is poised to serve as Scotland’s first minister-designate, following approval from the Scottish Parliament.

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