Nicola Sturgeon has been an MSP since devolution in 1999, and was the longest-serving and first female First Minister. She said she has known “for some time” what her plans were, and added: “Once you say it out loud, there’s a sense of relief.” Ms Sturgeon said: “I feel sad, because we are talking here about me turning the page on my life, so far. “I’ve dedicated my life to trying to make Scotland a better place, I’ve dedicated my life to public service.” She added: “I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life.” Ms Sturgeon became First Minister in 2014 after the independence referendum and led the country through the coronavirus pandemic. She stood down in 2023 and has sat on the SNP backbenches since.placeholder image
Nicola Sturgeon has been an MSP since devolution in 1999, and was the longest-serving and first female First Minister. She said she has known “for some time” what her plans were, and added: “Once you say it out loud, there’s a sense of relief.” Ms Sturgeon said: “I feel sad, because we are talking here about me turning the page on my life, so far. “I’ve dedicated my life to trying to make Scotland a better place, I’ve dedicated my life to public service.” She added: “I have known in my heart for a while that the time is right for me to embrace different opportunities in a new chapter of my life.” Ms Sturgeon became First Minister in 2014 after the independence referendum and led the country through the coronavirus pandemic. She stood down in 2023 and has sat on the SNP backbenches since. | Lisa Ferguson

The Scottish politicians standing down at the 2026 Holyrood election

Rachel Amery
By Rachel Amery

Political Correspondent

Published 29th Jan 2025, 14:52 GMT

We take a look at all the MSPs standing down at the 2026 Holyrood election.

As we get closer to the 2026 Holyrood election, eyes turn to who will not be standing for re-election.

So far the biggest name to rule themselves out of contention is former first minister Humza Yousaf.

But speculation remains about some other high-profile names in the Scottish Parliament, including former first minister Nicola Sturgeon.

We take a look at all the MSPs who have confirmed they will be standing down at the 2026 election.

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Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey has announced he will be resigning after 14 years as an MSP. He said: “To have been afforded the honour of serving as a Scottish Government minister under three different first ministers is beyond anything I could have imagined when I was first elected in 2011. “Were I to be successfully re-elected, serving a further five-year term would see me approaching my 69th birthday when the 2031 elections came around, and that’s not a commitment I feel able to make. “Beyond that I will remain a resolute campaigner for independence.”

13. Graeme Dey - MSP

Higher Education Minister Graeme Dey has announced he will be resigning after 14 years as an MSP. He said: “To have been afforded the honour of serving as a Scottish Government minister under three different first ministers is beyond anything I could have imagined when I was first elected in 2011. “Were I to be successfully re-elected, serving a further five-year term would see me approaching my 69th birthday when the 2031 elections came around, and that’s not a commitment I feel able to make. “Beyond that I will remain a resolute campaigner for independence.” Photo: Stock image

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Michelle Thomson has been the MSP for Falkirk East since 2021. She was previously the MP for Edinburgh West between 2015 and 2017, although she lost the party whip towards the end of her Westminster career after allegations of mortgage fraud. She said: “For some time now I have been under considerable pressure in my personal life with caring responsibilities. “I have relied on the support of family and friends but, for the time being, my personal responsibilities must take precedence.”

14. Michelle Thomson - SNP

Michelle Thomson has been the MSP for Falkirk East since 2021. She was previously the MP for Edinburgh West between 2015 and 2017, although she lost the party whip towards the end of her Westminster career after allegations of mortgage fraud. She said: “For some time now I have been under considerable pressure in my personal life with caring responsibilities. “I have relied on the support of family and friends but, for the time being, my personal responsibilities must take precedence.” | Scott Louden/National World Photo: Scott Louden

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Elena Whitham has been the MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley since 2021. She served as drugs and alcohol minister under Humza Yousaf and community safety minister under Nicola Sturgeon. Ms Whitham resigned from government due to her PTSD.

15. Elena Whitham MSP

Elena Whitham has been the MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley since 2021. She served as drugs and alcohol minister under Humza Yousaf and community safety minister under Nicola Sturgeon. Ms Whitham resigned from government due to her PTSD. | John Devlin/National World Photo: John Devlin

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Bill Kidd has been an MSP since 2007and is the only MSP to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. He was nominated for his work to abolish nuclear weapons. Mr Kidd said: “I have reached the time of life where I have done my shift. “I have got a good majority built up, good membership and good support in the community. “I think that next year the SNP will be the government again so I’m confident that whoever succeeds me as SNP candidate will win the seat.”

16. Bill Kidd - SNP

Bill Kidd has been an MSP since 2007and is the only MSP to be nominated for a Nobel Peace Prize. He was nominated for his work to abolish nuclear weapons. Mr Kidd said: “I have reached the time of life where I have done my shift. “I have got a good majority built up, good membership and good support in the community. “I think that next year the SNP will be the government again so I’m confident that whoever succeeds me as SNP candidate will win the seat.” | Graham Stuart/Press Association Photo: Graham Stuart/Press Association

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