HUMZA Yousaf’s mum joked that she would “clip” her son around the ear if he didn’t keep listening to her after his victory in the SNP leadership race.
Yousaf beat his rivals in the contest, Ash Regan and Kate Forbes, to the top job after results were announced at Murrayfield on Monday following weeks of campaigning.
Speaking to STV news, Yousaf’s parents were asked about the news. His father Muzaffar Yousaf was asked if he thought this moment would ever come to which he replied: “No I didn’t expect that no.”
His mother Shaaista Bhutta was then asked if he would “still have time” to listen to her now he is set to take over as Scotland’s first minister.
I am not sure it was a joke! Can always count on my mum to keep me grounded, quite right too. Wouldn't be here if it wasn't for the love and support of my parents and family ❤️ https://t.co/4k7mK6jmKG
— Humza Yousaf (@HumzaYousaf) March 27, 2023
She replied: “Oh, well, he better. He better. I’m still his mum. I’ll clip him around the ear when he doesn’t.”
Yousaf re-tweeted the interview with the caption: “I’m not sure it was a joke! Can always count on my mum to keep me grounded, quite right too.
“Wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the love and support of my parents and family.”
Although confirmed as the new leader of the SNP, Yousaf does not automatically become the first minister.
Outgoing FM Nicola Sturgeon still has to write to the King to formally tender her resignation.
Any MSP can nominate a candidate for FM and, so long as that person receives more than half the votes cast, they will become the country’s new leader.
This is all due to take place on Tuesday with business in the Scottish Parliament set to begin around 2pm.
The process of selecting a new first minister should begin shortly after this.
