Highlands and Islands MSP Douglas Ross to step down from Holyrood

Douglas Ross has confirmed he will not be a candidate at next year’s Scottish Parliament election.

In a statement posted this morning, the Highlands and Islands MSP said that representing his home area had been an “enormous honour”.

Mr Ross, former leader of the Scottish Conservatives, started his career in politics initially as a councillor before becoming MP for Moray in June 2017 and remaining in post until May 2024.

He became a list MSP in May 2021 which sparked criticism from opposition parties as he maintained his position as an MP.

Mr Ross said he would stand down as an MSP if he was elected as an MP for the newly-created Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat at last year’s General Election.

However, he was beaten by SNP MP Seamus Logan and retained his status as an MSP.

Mr Ross is hoping to become an MP again but will stand down as an MSP regardless.

His statement reads: “A year out from the Scottish Parliament election feels like the right time to confirm that I will not be a candidate for Holyrood next year.

“Local constituency work has always been the most rewarding part of this job for me, and for the last 18 years I've had the enormous honour of representing my home area as a councillor, an MP and an MSP.

“In the General Election last year, I said I would stand down as an MSP if elected.

“As I hope to stand for Westminster again at the next General Election, I believe it is right that I don't seek election to Holyrood in 2026.

“I will however work flat out to support Russell Findlay and the team to return as many Scottish Conservative MSPs as possible next May.

“Over the next year I also look forward to continuing to raise local issues on behalf of constituents in Parliament; maintaining the approach I've taken as Convener of the Education committee; and steering the Right to Addiction Recovery Bill through Parliament which would be a game changing piece of legislation to tackle Scotland's appalling drug and alcohol death rates.

“While I will remain an active MSP until the election, I feel now is an appropriate time to thank the staff who have worked with me for many years, assisting thousands of constituents during this time.

“Also, the many activists who have helped me in countless campaigns and the colleagues I have been elected alongside, who all want the best for their area and constituents.

“Finally, I would not have been able to do this job without the support of my family including my incredible wife Krystle, and our two amazing boys Alistair and James. I will forever be in their debt.”