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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Gordon MacDonald has been the MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands since 2011. He said: “I have worked tirelessly for 50 years to achieve independence and will continue to campaign for Scotland to join the family of nations.”

29. Gordon MacDonald - SNP

Gordon MacDonald has been the MSP for Edinburgh Pentlands since 2011. He said: “I have worked tirelessly for 50 years to achieve independence and will continue to campaign for Scotland to join the family of nations.” | jpimedia

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Rona Mackay was first elected in 2016 but will be stepping down at the next election. She said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve the residents of Strathkelvin and Bearsden for almost 10 years. “It is a wonderful constituency and I have enjoyed every minute, but I feel the time is right to retire. “I will continue to support independence and I will campaign hard for my successor when they are selected.”

30. Rona Mackay - SNP

Rona Mackay was first elected in 2016 but will be stepping down at the next election. She said: “It has been an enormous privilege to serve the residents of Strathkelvin and Bearsden for almost 10 years. “It is a wonderful constituency and I have enjoyed every minute, but I feel the time is right to retire. “I will continue to support independence and I will campaign hard for my successor when they are selected.” Photo: National World, supplied

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Alex Rowley was first elected as the Cowdenbeath MSP in 2014, and has represented Mid Scotland and Fife since 2016. He is also the former leader of Fife Council. Mr Rowley said: “Throughout my career in politics, I have strived to improve the areas I call home and represent the people I live alongside, trying wherever possible to ensure their voices are heard in decision making and that where support is needed it is provided. “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to speak up for people across the Mid Scotland and Fife region over the last decade and I remain completely focused on continuing to represent constituents across the region until the next election.”

31. Alex Rowley - Labour

Alex Rowley was first elected as the Cowdenbeath MSP in 2014, and has represented Mid Scotland and Fife since 2016. He is also the former leader of Fife Council. Mr Rowley said: “Throughout my career in politics, I have strived to improve the areas I call home and represent the people I live alongside, trying wherever possible to ensure their voices are heard in decision making and that where support is needed it is provided. “I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to speak up for people across the Mid Scotland and Fife region over the last decade and I remain completely focused on continuing to represent constituents across the region until the next election.” Photo: DanyelVanReenen

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Willie Coffey has represented the Kilmarnock area since 2007. Prior to entering Holyrood Mr Coffey had been a councillor, having first been elected to East Ayrshire Council in the 1990s. He said: “After much soul searching I’ve decided not to seek the nomination for 2026, a really difficult decision since I love working for my constituents. “It’s been the privilege of my life, but it will be four elections and nearly 20 years in parliament and about the same before that on the council - [it is] time to step aside and enjoy more time with my family and friends.”

32. Willie Coffey - SNP

Willie Coffey has represented the Kilmarnock area since 2007. Prior to entering Holyrood Mr Coffey had been a councillor, having first been elected to East Ayrshire Council in the 1990s. He said: “After much soul searching I’ve decided not to seek the nomination for 2026, a really difficult decision since I love working for my constituents. “It’s been the privilege of my life, but it will be four elections and nearly 20 years in parliament and about the same before that on the council - [it is] time to step aside and enjoy more time with my family and friends.” | X/Willie Coffey Photo: X/Willie Coffey

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