HUMZA Yousaf is to become Scotland’s sixth First Minister after winning the support of a majority of MSPs in a Holyrood vote. 

Presiding Officer Alison Johnstone will now inform the King, with the SNP leader to be formally sworn in at the Court of Session in Edinburgh tomorrow. 

The 37-year-old is Scotland’s youngest First Minister and the first from an ethnic  minority background.

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He won the votes of 71 fellow MSPs, with all members of the SNP and Greens backing his bid.

Though the vote was just a formality, all of the opposition leaders also stood for the vacancy created by Nicola Sturgeon's departure. 

The 31 Tory MSPs voted for Douglas Ross while 22 Labour MSPs backed Anas Sarwar.

Alex Cole-Hamilton received the backing of his four Lib Dem MSPs.

In his victory speech, Mr Yousaf said he would always stand up for social justice. He choked up as he spoke about life in Scotland following 9/11.

"The years after 9/11 were not easy for Muslims growing up in Scotland or indeed, across the UK. I've lost count of how many times my identity, my loyalty to Scotland, the only country I have ever and will ever call home, has been questioned over the years. 

"There was a time not all that long ago when I felt I simply did not belong here in Scotland. 

"To go from there to now leading the government as Scotland's sixth First Minister, I hope sends a strong message to every single person out there who feels that they don't belong.

"No matter what anyone says, no matter who you are, whether Scotland has been your home for a day or for 10 generations. No matter your ethnicity, no matter your gender. No matter your religion, no matter your sexual orientation, your transgender identity or disability. This is your home. 

"Do not let anyone ever tell you that you are not good enough. Do not let anyone ever tell you that you do not belong.

"And as First Minister, I will always fight for your rights and where possible, I will do everything I can to advance them."

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The First Minister said he would set out more detailed policies in the first week after the Easter recess, and that he would continue to "argue tirelessly for independence."

"In my view, and it is, of course, the view of the majority in this Parliament, that we will be able to deliver on our priorities more effectively when Scotland is independent.

"And we will certainly deliver them less effectively if we allow the UK Government to arbitrarily veto this Parliament's legislation. 

"Unsurprisingly, I will also argue vigorously for independence, and while I do that, of course, I understand that the strongest argument this government can make for independence is to make the best possible use of this Parliament's existing powers." 

Mr Yousaf also said he would seek to hold early meetings with the opposition party leader. 

"I think that there's probably a shared appetite across this chamber for a politics that is slightly less polarised, and a bit less confrontational," he said.

"This isn't an offer that has made naively I know that we will continue quite frequently to disagree forcefully, that is, as it should be. Politics requires strong, reasoned, respectful disagreement.

"But for all those disagreements, I also know that we share many areas of common ground, including many of the areas that have been outlined not just by me, but by each party leader today."

Mr Yousaf also promised to to reach out "beyond this parliament to the UK Government."

"I want to stress that I will work with you when I can in the best interests of our nation," he promised.

The First Minister will now spend the rest of the week appointing his cabinet, with parliament voting on his appointees on Thursday.

He has already picked Shona Robison to be his Deputy First Minister. 

The Herald:

Responding to Mr Yousaf's victory, Mr Ross said: "With both the First Minister and the Prime Minister representing the UK’s diverse communities, this sends a strong, positive message to everyone that there are no barriers to what you can achieve in this country.

"But that is where the history of this moment ends.

"Because, regrettably, the new First Minister seems to be doing his best to offer a poor imitation of his predecessor.

"Instead of setting out a platform to focus on Scotland’s real priorities, Humza Yousaf decided on his first day to renew Nicola Sturgeon’s constitutional conflict with the UK Government."

The Tory also noted that he was "now the only leader of a major political party not to be privately educated at Hutchesons' Grammar School."

Both Mr Yousaf and Mr Sarwar attended the pricey school in Glasgow's Southside. 

In his speech, Mr Sarwar pointed out that he and Mr Yousaf had known each other for many years.

"Regardless of our politics, we should take all take immense pride that this country is to have its first minority ethnic First Minister. Whatever our political differences, and there'll be many in the months ahead, today's significance cannot be understated.

"It is something our grandparents would never ever have imagined when they arrived in this country and made Scotland their home.

"But reaching this historic moment has not been easy. And I know that he has faced personal abuse and racism as have so many others who don't have the platform that he and I are fortunate to have.

"So I'm proud of the work that we have done alongside others to stand against hatred and bigotry and I promise I will continue to stand alongside you in that fight for all of us."

Mr Sarwar said while he was happy to congratulate on Mr Yousaf on being appointed as the first First Minister from an minority ethnic background, "it for obvious reasons, I hope he's not the last."

Nicola Sturgeon took to Twitter to offer her congratulations to her successor. 

"Congratulations to my friend and our new First Minister @HumzaYousaf - I wish him every success and will be willing him on every step of the way."

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack congratulated Mr Yousaf on his election.

“The UK Government wants to work constructively with him on the issues that matter to people in Scotland. I was pleased that during his acceptance speech Mr Yousaf made clear he also wants to work together. That is what people in Scotland, rightly, expect.

“There is a huge amount to be done – continuing to tackle the cost of living, growing Scotland’s economy, tackling NHS waiting lists, ensuring our energy security and improving transport links.

“I hope that Mr Yousaf will govern for the whole of Scotland. In particular I hope he will put his obsession with independence aside, and concentrate on working with the UK Government to make life better for people in Scotland.”