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Former first minister Humza Yousaf has announced he will not run for re-election at the 2026 Holyrood election.

The ex-SNP leader confirmed his intention to stand down as an MSP in a letter to successor John Swinney, explaining the Scottish parliament election would be the “right time” to move on.

Mr Yousaf added his decision would “provide an opportunity for the next generation of MSPs to step forward” and would also allow him to explore where he can “best make a contribution in the future, in helping to tackle some of the most pressing challenges our world faces”.

Mr Yousaf replaced Nicola Sturgeon in March 2023 but was forced to step down earlier this year following the breakdown of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens.

The MSP for Glasgow Pollok has been a backbencher since.

In 2026, Mr Yousaf will have been an MSP for 15 years.

In his letter on Tuesday, he noted: “It is often said that you cannot be what you cannot see.

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“I hope by becoming the first first minister of colour, and first Muslim leader of a western democratic nation, I have sent a clear message to every young person, of any background, who aspires to get involved in public service that you do belong and are just as deserving of opportunity as anyone else.”

During his time as first minister, Mr Yousaf called for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war.

His in-laws were trapped in Gaza for four weeks, an ordeal he described as a “living nightmare”.

On their return to Scotland, mother-in-law Elizabeth El-Nakla told Sky News how she had “left her heart in Gaza”.

Mr Yousaf said as first minister, he hoped he was able to demonstrate leadership during “what I view as the moral question of our time”.

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Mr Yousaf pledged to continue working hard for his constituents until he steps aside and vowed to be a “devoted campaigner” for Scottish independence and the SNP after leaving parliament.

He also said he was looking forward to more time with his loved ones, and thanked his wife Nadia for the “sacrifices she has made for our family over the years”.

Responding to the letter, Mr Swinney said he was “sorry to see” Mr Yousaf stepping down.

The first minister added: “He has been a pioneer in Scottish politics.

“I value all he has contributed to the Scottish government and the SNP and I look forward to his continued involvement.

“I wish Humza, Nadia and their family much peace together.”

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Czech justice minister resigns over $45M Bitcoin gift from convict

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Czech justice minister resigns over M Bitcoin gift from convict

Czech justice minister resigns over M Bitcoin gift from convict

Czech Justice Minister Pavel Blazek resigned following backlash over his ministry’s sale of Bitcoin donated by a convicted criminal.

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France charges 25 over crypto kidnapping spree in Paris

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France charges 25 over crypto kidnapping spree in Paris

France charges 25 over crypto kidnapping spree in Paris

French prosecutors charged 25 people over a wave of crypto-related kidnappings. However, the masterminds remain at large.

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Farage has ‘grabbed the mic’ to dominate media agenda, says Harman

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Farage has 'grabbed the mic' to dominate media agenda, says Harman

Nigel Farage has successfully exploited the Commons recess to “grab the mic” and “dominate” the agenda, Harriet Harman has said.

Speaking on Sky News’ Electoral Dysfunction podcast, the Labour peer said that the Reform UK leader has been able to “get his voice heard” while government was not in “full swing”.

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Mr Farage used a speech this week to set himself, rather than Kemi Badenoch’s Tories, up as the main opposition to Sir Keir Starmer at the next election.

The prime minister responded on Thursday with a speech attacking the Clacton MP.

Baroness Harman said: “It’s slightly different between opposition and government because in government, the ministers have to be there the whole time.

“They’ve got to be putting legislation through and they kind of hold the mic.

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“They can dominate the news media with the announcements they’re making and with the bills they’re introducing, and it’s quite hard for the opposition to get a hearing whilst the government is in full swing.

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‘Big cuts’ to fund other Reform UK policies

“What we used to do when we were in opposition before 1997 is that as soon as there was a bank holiday and the House was not sitting, as soon as the half-term or the summer recess, we would be on an absolute war footing and dominate the airwaves because that was our opportunity.

“And I think that’s a bit of what Farage has done this week,” Harman added.

“Basically, Farage can dominate the media agenda.”

She went on: “He’s kind of stepped forward, and he’s using this moment of the House not sitting in order to actually get his voice heard.

“It’s sensible for the opposition to take the opportunity of when the House is not sitting to kind of grab the mic and that is what Nigel Farage has done.”

But Baroness Harman said it “doesn’t seem to be what Kemi Badenoch’s doing”.

She explained that the embattled leader “doesn’t seem to be grabbing the mic like Nigel Farage has” during recess, and added that “there’s greater opportunity for the opposition”.

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