FORMER Scottish first minister Humza Yousaf announced today he will step back from front-line politics and not seek re-election as an MSP in 2026.

Mr Yousaf, who served as Glasgow Pollok MSP for 15 years, said it was “time to move on” after his brief tenure as first minister.

He defended his decision to end the SNP’s power-sharing deal with the Scottish Greens, which led to his resignation in May.

The 39-year-old had not confirmed his intentions for the next election until now.

In a letter to current First Minister John Swinney, Mr Yousaf said he hopes that “by becoming the first minister of colour, and first Muslim leader of a Western democratic nation” he has inspired those from a similar background.

Mr Swinney responded by praising him as a “pioneer in Scottish politics.”

Scottish Green co-leader Patrick Harvie said: “There were areas where we agreed and areas where we disagreed.

“Even those events never stopped me liking and respecting Humza, and nobody could doubt his commitment to his job or to building a fairer and better Scotland.”