Scotland's ruling Scottish National Party elected Hamza Yusuf as its new leader today (Monday), after a five-week contest that exposed deep divisions within the pro-independence movement in Scotland, the Associated Press reported.
The 37-year-old son of South Asian immigrants is set to become the first person of color and the first Muslim to hold the post of First Minister of Scotland (head of the Scottish government) since the position was created in 1999.
Yusuf, who is now Scotland's health minister, beat two other Scottish lawmakers in a contest to replace First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. Sturgeon unexpectedly resigned last month after eight years leading the party and the semi-autonomous Scottish government.
Yusuf, who is set to be appointed first minister by Scottish lawmakers on Tuesday, faces the challenge of uniting the SNP and reinvigorating its campaign for Scottish independence from the UK.
In a speech in Edinburgh he said: “I will lead the SNP for the benefit of all members of the party, not just those who voted for me; So I will lead Scotland for the benefit of all our citizens, regardless of their political allegiance.”
The 72,000 members of the Scottish National Party chose Youssef after a fierce competition with Scottish Finance Minister Kate Forbes, while Representative Ash Regan came third in the election.
Okaz (Jeddah)