Scottish ruling party elects new leader

Scotland’s governing party, the Scottish National Party, elected Humza Yousaf as its new leader Monday. Former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon resigned unexpectedly last month after eight years as leader. Yousaf will be the first person of color and the first Muslim to hold the position since it was created in 1999. Yousaf will be confirmed as the party’s leader Tuesday.

Who did Yousaf beat? Ash Regan was eliminated in the first vote. Scottish finance minister Kate Forbes was eliminated in the second round with only 48 percent of the vote. Both said they would have opposed legislation to make it easier for people to legally change their gender in Scotland—legislation that Yousaf supported. Forbes is an evangelical Christian who was criticized for her faith. She said she would have protected marriage in 2014 by voting against legislation that allowed gay marriage in Scotland. Later, during a separate interview, Forbes said she would protect the “right” to marry anyone someone chooses.

Dig deeper: Read Jenny Lind Schmitt’s report in World Tour on Kate Forbes’ campaign.