Hapless Humza Yousaf has a lot more time on his hands after he was forced to quit as Scotland’s First Minister last year. Now it transpires that the former FM has enjoyed a sit down – and photoshoot – with Grazia Pakistan’s Beauty Editor to recount his brief stint in the top job. After his fall from grace in April last year, Mr S isn’t surprised the former Scottish leader is itching for a return to the limelight.
Dotted among multiple pictures of Yousaf modelling various stately poses is the ex-FM’s interview. The SNP MSP discusses everything from his political awakening, why he was drawn to the pro-indy movement and his time in the top job. Yousaf did, rather curiously, omit the part where he was forced to resign after rather abruptly ending the SNP’s coalition with the Greens.
Yousaf modestly suggested that, had he not pursued politics, he could have landed a top job at the Hague, telling his interviewer: If I had not gone into politics, I would have studied law… I could see myself in another life as a Prosecutor in the International Criminal Court. And hapless Humza managed to gloss over the many gaffes he made to instead say about his 13 months at the top of Scottish politics: ‘I enjoyed every moment of being First Minister.’ Every moment? Mr S isn’t convinced…
Most notable, however, were Yousaf’s attacks on the press. Lamenting the abuse he received during his time in office, the ex-FM remarked:
Unfortunately, when I became FM the slew of racism and hatred, including Islamophobia increased exponentially. People were arrested and charged for shouting racist abuse at me in the street, and death threats were made against me, my wife, and children.
Crikey. He went on, adding:
I also faced more subtle institutional barriers and obstacles being a person of colour in politics, with sections of the right-wing media deliberately targeting me due to my background or faith. Something that continues to this day. But throughout all the dirty tricks they deploy, they will not silence me.
Becoming Grazia Pakistan’s cover star certainly helps, eh?
There has been much speculation about Yousaf’s next move, as the MSP is set to step down at the next Holyrood election. In a recent interview, the ex-FM hinted he would be keen to step into ‘international affairs…particularly around the conflict resolution space’. Noble intentions, of course, but given Yousaf was forced to quit the top job after creating, er, conflict with the Scottish Greens, Mr S isn’t quite sure this is where hapless Humza’s talents lie…
See the photoshoot here:
I think it is safe to say I am the world's least likely fashion icon! Nonetheless, I very much enjoyed my chat with @graziapak & @KANIZMAKEUP on all things politics, Pakistan, and Palestine.
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) January 16, 2025
You can read the interview here 👇https://t.co/S8cRp8azMw pic.twitter.com/0MY6q3II8e
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