The deputy first minister had the biggest majority of any MSP in 2021, securing 56.1 per cent of the vote. This was up 8.5 per cent on the 2016 election. The Lib Dems have said they are directly targeting Ms Forbes’s seat in 2026, but it will be a difficult task given the huge majority she currently holds.placeholder image
The deputy first minister had the biggest majority of any MSP in 2021, securing 56.1 per cent of the vote. This was up 8.5 per cent on the 2016 election. The Lib Dems have said they are directly targeting Ms Forbes’s seat in 2026, but it will be a difficult task given the huge majority she currently holds. | Trevor Martin/Press Association

The 10 MSPs with the largest Scottish Parliament majorities - and they are all SNP

Rachel Amery
By Rachel Amery

Political Correspondent

Published 3rd Jul 2025, 06:00 GMT

We take a look at who won the biggest majorities at the 2021 Scottish Parliament election.

Back in 2021, the SNP reigned supreme in the Holyrood elections.

Several nationalists enjoyed success at the polls, securing five-figure majorities and securing the SNP as the government of Scotland.

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The party will be hoping to do the same in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.

We take a look at which MSPs had the biggest majorities in 2021 - and therefore have the most to lose next year.

The former health secretary, who has been an MSP since devolution, secured 54.3 per cent of the vote in 2021. This was however down 2.6 per cent on his success in 2016 and the veteran MSP will be standing down in 2026 after his £11,000 iPad bill scandal. The SNP will be hoping this scandal does not affect their chances in 2026.

5. 5. Michael Matheson, Falkirk West - 11,839

The former health secretary, who has been an MSP since devolution, secured 54.3 per cent of the vote in 2021. This was however down 2.6 per cent on his success in 2016 and the veteran MSP will be standing down in 2026 after his £11,000 iPad bill scandal. The SNP will be hoping this scandal does not affect their chances in 2026. | Jane Barlow/Press Association Photo: Jane Barlow

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Willie Coffey secured 52.7 per cent of the vote in 2021. He has been an MSP since 2007 but will be standing down in 2026 - the nationalists are putting their faith in former MP Alan Brown to hold this constituency.

6. 6. Willie Coffey, Kilmarnock and Irvine Valley - 11,681

Willie Coffey secured 52.7 per cent of the vote in 2021. He has been an MSP since 2007 but will be standing down in 2026 - the nationalists are putting their faith in former MP Alan Brown to hold this constituency. | X/Willie Coffey Photo: X/Willie Coffey

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Ben Macpherson enjoys the largest majority of any of the capital’s MSPs. He increased the SNP’s vote share by 1.2 per cent to secure 47.9 per cent of the vote. Mr Macpherson, who has been an MSP since 2016, will be standing in the newly-created constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith in 2026.

7. 7. Ben Macpherson, Edinburgh Northern and Leith - 11,569

Ben Macpherson enjoys the largest majority of any of the capital’s MSPs. He increased the SNP’s vote share by 1.2 per cent to secure 47.9 per cent of the vote. Mr Macpherson, who has been an MSP since 2016, will be standing in the newly-created constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith in 2026. | Scottish Government Photo: Scottish Government

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Chief government whip Rona Mackay increased the SNP’s vote share by 2 per cent and won this constituency with 45.5 per cent of the vote. Ms Mackay, who has been an MSP since 2016, will be stepping down from Holyrood in 2026.

8. 8. Rona Mackay, Strathkelvin and Bearsden - 11,484

Chief government whip Rona Mackay increased the SNP’s vote share by 2 per cent and won this constituency with 45.5 per cent of the vote. Ms Mackay, who has been an MSP since 2016, will be stepping down from Holyrood in 2026. | Supplied Photo: nil

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Related topics:HolyroodMSPsSNPScottish ParliamentScottish Election 2026
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