Humza Yousaf on Monday was elected the new head of the Scottish National Party SNP, promising in a speech to bring the party together.
The 37-year-old son of Asian immigrants is now set to become the first person of color to serve as Scotland’s first minister serving as the Scottish National Party (SNP).
Yousaf will succeed Nicola Sturgeon, who unexpectedly stepped down last month after eight years as leader of the party and of Scotland’s semi-autonomous government.
Yousaf, whose father is originally from Pakistan and emigrated to Glasgow in the 1960s and whose mother was born in Kenya, gave a heartfelt acceptance speech.
“We should all take pride in the fact that today we have sent a clear message, that your color of skin, your faith, is not a barrier to leading the country we all call home,” Yousaf said.
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“I will ensure our drive for independence is in fifth gear,”
“The people of Scotland need independence now more than ever.” He added.
The SNP’s unity, which had been one of its strengths, has broken down because of arguments over how to achieve a second independence referendum and the best way to introduce social reforms, such as those advocating for transgender rights.