Record 42 MSPs to leave Scottish Parliament as Holyrood dissolves
Mar 22nd 2026 ยท United Kingdom
A third of MSPs, including former first ministers and both long-serving and first-term members, will not seek re-election on 7 May, citing family, health and political pressures.
- Forty two MSPs, about one third of the 129-member parliament, are standing down ahead of the 7 May election.
- Departures include former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf.
- Reasons cited include family commitments, health issues, burnout and frustration with political and social media pressures.
- Several first-term MSPs are leaving, highlighting the strain of modern political life.
- Some founding MSPs from 1999 are retiring while five original members are seeking re-election.
- Douglas Ross plans to pursue a return to the House of Commons and Alison Johnstone will remain presiding officer until her successor is chosen.
- Outgoing MSPs urged more cross-party working and better support to make politics accessible to a wider range of people.