Humza Yousaf's wife Nadia El-Nakla seeks SNP's nomination to take on Scottish Liberal Democrat leader

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf has declared his support for his wife Nadia El-Nakla, who has announced she is seeking the SNP’s nomination to stand for election to Holyrood.

Ms El-Nakla said she wants to challenge for the North East Fife seat held by Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Willie Rennie, who won a 3,465 majority with 44% of the vote in 2016.

The SNP activist, who is a caseworker for Dundee East MSP Shona Robison and works at a drugs counselling service, said it would be her “dream” to be elected to the Scottish Parliament.

Humza Yousaf supports his wife seeking nomination to take on Scottish Liberal Democrat leader

Announcing her intention to stand in the National newspaper, Ms El-Nakla said: “I’m more than Humza’s wife – I’m 36, I have 20 years’ campaigning experience and 10 years in the party.

“I have a politics degree, I work for an MSP. I have campaigned across the country, I have spoken at SNP conference, I have stood in the rain campaigning for Palestine since I was 14.

“We’ve only been married for three years. This is not about Humza, this is about me. This is my ambition and my dream. I am asking SNP members in North East Fife to back me.”

In a tweet ending with a love heart emoji, Mr Yousaf said: “I am exceptionally proud to call Nadia my wife, but she will stand for selection on her own merits with a very impressive track record of activism and campaigning.”

“I am biased, but she is wonderful.”

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