Former Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie got the largest majority of any MSP at this election, with a whopping 13,474. He secured 21,350 votes to secure the Fife North East, well ahead of his nearest rival the SNP’s John Beare on just 7,876. This is also well ahead of the 7,448 majority he secured in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. Mr Rennie told The Scotsman he was pleased with the stellar result, if a little embarrassed.placeholder image
Former Lib Dem leader Willie Rennie got the largest majority of any MSP at this election, with a whopping 13,474. He secured 21,350 votes to secure the Fife North East, well ahead of his nearest rival the SNP’s John Beare on just 7,876. This is also well ahead of the 7,448 majority he secured in the 2021 Scottish Parliament election. Mr Rennie told The Scotsman he was pleased with the stellar result, if a little embarrassed. | Local Library

Holyrood election 2026: The 10 MSPs with the highest majorities

Rachel Amery
By Rachel Amery

Political Correspondent

Published 12th May 2026, 11:43 GMT

We take a look at which MSPs secured the highest majorities at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

Lib Dem veterans won big at the 2026 Holyrood election, with both the party leader and former party leader securing majorities of over 13,000.

Other newly-elected MSPs also enjoyed sizable majorities at the ballot box, including former and current MPs who were making the leap from Westminster to Holyrood.

While most of the top performing MSPs are faces familiar to us from either Westminster or Holyrood, there are a couple of new faces making the list as well.

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We have taken a look at the 10 largest majorities in this new Scottish Parliament.

While most of the highest majorities have been secured by well-known names and faces, some newcomers have made the shortlist as well. Michelle Campbell (pictured bottom left) won the seat of Renfrewshire North and Cardonald for the SNP with a majority of 7,217. She won a round total of 14,300 votes, putting her ahead of second place Mike McKirdy from Scottish Labour on 9,424, to take up her place in the Scottish Parliament.

9. 9. Michelle Campbell, Renfrewshire North and Cardonald - 7,217

While most of the highest majorities have been secured by well-known names and faces, some newcomers have made the shortlist as well. Michelle Campbell (pictured bottom left) won the seat of Renfrewshire North and Cardonald for the SNP with a majority of 7,217. She won a round total of 14,300 votes, putting her ahead of second place Mike McKirdy from Scottish Labour on 9,424, to take up her place in the Scottish Parliament. | Jane Barlow/Press Association

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Finally, making the top 10 list of biggest majorities is Calum Kerr (pictured to Nicola Sturgeon's right), who secured the seat of Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale for the SNP with a 7,161 majority. In total he won 14,091 votes, putting him ahead of second place Keith Cockburn from the Scottish Conservatives on 6,930.

10. 10. Calum Kerr, Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale - 7,161

Finally, making the top 10 list of biggest majorities is Calum Kerr (pictured to Nicola Sturgeon's right), who secured the seat of Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale for the SNP with a 7,161 majority. In total he won 14,091 votes, putting him ahead of second place Keith Cockburn from the Scottish Conservatives on 6,930. | Jane Barlow/Press Association

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