CHERRY Sorry Humza, but the last thing Holyrood needs is more 20-something politicians

Former MP belleves party and country would benefit from candidates who have professional and real-life experience

- CHRIS McCALL

A FORMER SNP MP has warned "the last thing Holyrood needs is more 20-something career politicians" as the party prepares for a series of selection contests.

Joanna Cherry spoke out after Humza Yousaf announced yesterday it was time for him to "make way for the next generation-despite being aged just 39.

The former first minister said he was stepping back from frontline politics and would not stand at the next Holyrood election. "Come 2026, I will have been an elected member for 15 years," he said.

"I think the time is right for me to step down, to step away from frontline politics and make way for the next generation of elected members."

Responding to Yousaf's comments, Cherry said: "With all due respect to Humza, whom I wish well, the last thing Holyrood needs is more 20-something career politicians who have never had a proper job outside politics."