Humza Yousaf has paid tribute to “trailblazer” Mhairi Black after she announced she will be standing down as MP at the next General Election on Tuesday.
The SNP depute leader at Westminster has been the MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South since 2015.
Black told The News Agents podcast that she was stepping down, and that Westminster was a "toxic workplace", sparking speculation that she may look to win a seat at Holyrood in the 2026 Scottish elections.
A trailblazer, elected at 20, @MhairiBlack has inspired a generation A passionate supporter of independence who is deeply committed to advancing social justice Look forward to working closely with Mhairi who will undoubtedly continue to make an immense contribution to our cause pic.twitter.com/nkpl6SwJHO
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) July 4, 2023
The First Minister, in a statement, added that he knows that Mhairi “will continue to make an immense contribution to the cause of independence”.
Yousaf said: “It is difficult to overstate the impact that Mhairi Black has had on Scottish and UK politics since her election in 2015 as the youngest MP ever, and more recently as Deputy Leader of the SNP at Westminster.
“She has been a trailblazer - a passionate supporter of independence, equality, social justice, and simply of trying to make life better for her constituents and the wider Scottish public. She has also served as a role model for young people, especially women, with an interest or a desire to get involved in politics.
“I know that Mhairi has been critical of the toxic, hostile environment of Westminster, which serves as an important wake-up call to those who are determined to safeguard our democracy. The case for modernising our political system is stark. We must make sure it works for everyone, so we don’t deter people from standing for election or speaking out for what they believe in.
“Despite choosing not to stand again as an MP, I know Mhairi will continue to make an immense contribution to the cause of independence, and I look forward to working with her in advancing our cause.”
