FORMER First Minister of Scotland Nicola Sturgeon has announced she won’t be seeking re-election to Holyrood in the 2026 election.
The Glasgow Southside MSP served as Scotland’s first female first minister for nine years before she stepped down in March 2023.
The ex-SNP party leader has been an MSP since the formation of the Scottish Government in 1999 and has served in a number of roles within the SNP.
She has served in spokesperson roles throughout the party before she was made deputy party leader, then deputy leader and then went on to become leader of the SNP and first minister of Scotland.
Now, the 54-year-old has announced that she will not be seeking re-election via her social media.
Sturgeon said: “Getting to represent Glasgow Southside, the best constituency in Scotland, has been an honour beyond words.
“However, 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.
“I have therefore written this morning to SNP members in my constituency informing them that I will not be seeking selection for next year’s Holyrood election.
“To my constituents, past and present: thank you for the trust you have placed in me.
“Being your MSP has been my privilege and I will continue to represent you to the best of my abilities until I step down next year.
“To Southside SNP members: your support, loyalty and friendship, through thick and thin, has meant more to me than you will ever know. You are the best of the best.
“To SNP members across the country: I may be leaving parliament, but I will be by your side every step of the way as we complete our journey to independence.”
