Last Budget For Many MSPs With Many Not Seeking Re-election

13th January 2026

A record total of 39 MSPs have announced they will not seek re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election in May 2026.

The Scottish Parliament Information Centre (SPICe) and various news outlets have published lists of those stepping down, including former First Ministers, current and former cabinet secretaries, and party leaders.

As of recent reports, the list of MSPs not standing for re-election includes a significant number from various parties.

Those stepping down are from the following parties:
Scottish National Party (SNP): 25 MSPs, including notable figures such as former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, and former cabinet secretaries Kate Forbes and Michael Matheson.
Notable is Shona Robison, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Local Government who will deliver her last budget today.

Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party: 6 MSPs, including Douglas Ross and Liz Smith.

Scottish Labour: 6 MSPs, including Sarah Boyack and Richard Leonard.

Scottish Green Party: 1 MSP, Alison Johnstone, the current Presiding Officer who resigned from the party upon taking the role.

Scottish Liberal Democrats: 1 MSP, Beatrice Wishart.
Independent: 1 MSP, John Mason, who was elected as an SNP member before becoming an independent.

This substantial number of departures is expected to significantly change the composition of the Scottish Parliament, bringing in many new members and resulting in the loss of considerable experience.