London: Humza Yousaf was sworn in as Scotland’s new leader in ceremony that blended formal tradition with his Pakistani heritage before he announces appointments to his Cabinet that risk worsening deep divisions in his governing party.

Yousaf, first Muslim to lead democratic western European nation was dressed in black shalwar kameez at Scotland’s highest court, Court of Session in Edinburgh as his family watched on. 37-year-old pledged an oath of allegiance to King Charles. He has previously said he wants to replace monarchy with an elected head of state if he achieves his dream of ending Scotland’s three-centuries-long political union with England. Yousaf narrowly won leadership race  after bruising contest that followed surprise resignation last month of Nicola Sturgeon, who had dominated Scottish politics for almost decade. Internal disagreements over future of pro-independence Scottish National Party and country re-emerged after Yousaf’s main rival, Kate Forbes, quit government. Forbes turned down an offer to become minister for rural affairs and islands, step down from her previous role as finance minister, according to BBC and Scottish newspapers.

Published in The Daily National Courier, March, 30 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.