The election of a first minister represents an important milestone for any country of the UK. But Humza Yousaf’s elevation is even more historic. The SNP leader is set to be the first Muslim to head a Western European nation.
His win was narrower than many expected, by 52 to 48 per cent after second preferences. And while Yousaf — the favoured candidate of Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP establishment — is likely to continue the policies of his predecessor, few politicians combine Sturgeon’s political, communication and leadership skills. Yousaf will not have it all his own way.
