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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Joe FitzPatrick has been the MSP for Dundee West since 2007. He served as local government minister under Humza Yousaf, and public health minister and parliamentary business minister under Nicola Sturgeon. Mr FitzPatrick was one of only a handful of openly LGBT+ MSPs when he was first elected.

17. Joe FitzPatrick - SNP

Joe FitzPatrick has been the MSP for Dundee West since 2007. He served as local government minister under Humza Yousaf, and public health minister and parliamentary business minister under Nicola Sturgeon. Mr FitzPatrick was one of only a handful of openly LGBT+ MSPs when he was first elected. | Fraser Bremner/Press Association Photo: PA

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Ruth Maguire has been the MSP for Cunninghame South since 2016. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 and returned to work in Holyrood in 2022 - however in 2024 she announced the cancer had returned and she would be stepping down at the next election. Ms Maguire said: “I know in my heart and head that the end of this parliamentary term is the right time for me to finish my period in frontline politics. “The last few years have been challenging both politically and personally for me and even with strength and support, it takes its toll. “I am taking this decision for me but also for my family whose unwavering love and support, often at the expense of their interests, have carried me through difficult times.”

18. Ruth Maguire - SNP

Ruth Maguire has been the MSP for Cunninghame South since 2016. She was diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2021 and returned to work in Holyrood in 2022 - however in 2024 she announced the cancer had returned and she would be stepping down at the next election. Ms Maguire said: “I know in my heart and head that the end of this parliamentary term is the right time for me to finish my period in frontline politics. “The last few years have been challenging both politically and personally for me and even with strength and support, it takes its toll. “I am taking this decision for me but also for my family whose unwavering love and support, often at the expense of their interests, have carried me through difficult times.” | JPI

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Christine Grahame has also been an MSP since devolution. She was the MSP for South Scotland from 1999 until 2011 and ever since then has been the MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale. From 2016 until 2021 she was the parliament’s deputy presiding officer. Previously Ms Grahame said: “I’ve just turned 80. I know it’s the new 60 - but I think by the time we get to the end of the session, I’ll be nearly 82 and unlike Joe Biden, I know, quit while you’re ahead.”

19. Christine Grahame - SNP

Christine Grahame has also been an MSP since devolution. She was the MSP for South Scotland from 1999 until 2011 and ever since then has been the MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale. From 2016 until 2021 she was the parliament’s deputy presiding officer. Previously Ms Grahame said: “I’ve just turned 80. I know it’s the new 60 - but I think by the time we get to the end of the session, I’ll be nearly 82 and unlike Joe Biden, I know, quit while you’re ahead.” | Andrew Milligan/Press Association

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Maurice Golden has been an MSP since 2016 and has held numerous party roles including environment and climate change spokesman, economy spokesman and chief whip. He said it is a “natural point to pursue new challenges”, and added: “Since entering parliament in 2016, I have consistently championed progressive climate change policies as I believe this is the greatest challenge we face. “My commitment to tackling climate change has never been stronger, particularly given the rise in climate scepticism at home and abroad.”

20. Maurice Golden - Conservative

Maurice Golden has been an MSP since 2016 and has held numerous party roles including environment and climate change spokesman, economy spokesman and chief whip. He said it is a “natural point to pursue new challenges”, and added: “Since entering parliament in 2016, I have consistently championed progressive climate change policies as I believe this is the greatest challenge we face. “My commitment to tackling climate change has never been stronger, particularly given the rise in climate scepticism at home and abroad.” Photo: Scottish Parliament

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