02:02UK: Humza Yousaf becomes Scotland's youngest first minister and first Muslim leader in Western Europe
Humza Yusuf, 37, was elected Scotland's new first minister in Edinburgh on Tuesday, following a vote in the Scottish Parliament.
"That the majority of MSPs in this Parliament belong to parties led by two people of colour, two people of the Muslim faith," he said adding that, "the fact that no one bats an eyelid at this tells me we are making progress in our nation for which we should all be very, very proud".
He becomes both the youngest first minister, while the country is also the first democracy in Western Europe to appoint a Muslim leader.
Yousaf succeeded Nicola Sturgeon, who resigned after more than eight years in office. He won the Scottish National Party's leadership battle on Monday by a narrow margin, and pledged to revive the campaign for independence.
"As the parliamentary voice for me today, I pledge, I will continue to ensure that Scotland is a positive, progressive voice on the world stage," Yousaf stressed.
He will be officially sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday.
02:02Mandatory credit: The Scottish Parliament. News use only.
Humza Yusuf, 37, was elected Scotland's new first minister in Edinburgh on Tuesday, following a vote in the Scottish Parliament.
"That the majority of MSPs in this Parliament belong to parties led by two people of colour, two people of the Muslim faith," he said adding that, "the fact that no one bats an eyelid at this tells me we are making progress in our nation for which we should all be very, very proud".
He becomes both the youngest first minister, while the country is also the first democracy in Western Europe to appoint a Muslim leader.
Yousaf succeeded Nicola Sturgeon, who resigned after more than eight years in office. He won the Scottish National Party's leadership battle on Monday by a narrow margin, and pledged to revive the campaign for independence.
"As the parliamentary voice for me today, I pledge, I will continue to ensure that Scotland is a positive, progressive voice on the world stage," Yousaf stressed.
He will be officially sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on Wednesday.