Humza Yousaf has been elected as First Minister of Scotland, winning the support of 71 MSPs in a vote on Tuesday 28th March. By winning this vote, Yousaf becomes the first person from a minority ethnic background to be elected to the post of First Minister. This represents a noteworthy moment in the history of the Scottish Parliament, a legislature in which BAME politicians have played an important role.
Since the first Scottish Parliament was elected in 1999, there have been 8 MSPs from minority ethnic backgrounds, representing parties across the political spectrum. Currently, 6 BAME MSPs are serving in the Parliament, including leader of the Labour party Anas Sarwar. Each successive Parliament continues to become more representative of the nation, with the first female MSPs from an ethnic minority background being elected in 2021: Pam Gosal for the Scottish Conservatives, and Kaukab Stewart from the SNP.
Having a Parliament which reflects the diversity of Scotland’s people is as important as a Parliament reflecting the country’s diversity of opinions. In addition, it is vital that the Parliament offers equal opportunities for BAME politicians to direct policy and take up leadership roles within the legislature. While there remains significant work to be done at creating an open and equal environment for people from ethnic minority groups to practice politics, the election of Yousaf to the role of First Minister shows that the Scottish Parliament is not a place where ethnic minority voices are barred from being heard.
It is vital that the Scottish Conservatives continue to challenge the new First Minister and his cabinet on their failures over the past decade. Many of the policies of the Scottish Government have limited opportunity, from the growth of small businesses to the problems within the education system. Holding the government to account on issues such as these will prove vital in allowing equal opportunity within the Parliament, regardless of background.