Cabinet minister announces intention to step down from Holyrood

A CABINET minister has become the latest MSP to announce their decision to step down at the next Holyrood election.

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon said that being an MSP had been "the honour of my life" but that it was time for her to look at new opportunities.

First elected to the Scottish Parliament in 2016, Gougeon represents the Angus North and Mearns constituency.

Mairi Gougeon (Image: PA) She was appointed to government in 2018 under former first minister Nicola Sturgeon – who has also announced she will not be running for re-election.

Announcing her decision, Gougeon said that by the time of the next election she will have spent around half her lifetime in elected politics.

She said: “It has been the honour of my life to be elected to represent and serve the people of my home constituency of Angus North and Mearns as an SNP representative since 2016, and before that, as a councillor for Brechin and Edzell since 2007.

“My constituency truly is the very best of Scotland and I have worked every day to ensure its voice is heard.

“Come 2026, I will have been in an elected position for just about half of my life and the time has come for me to take a step back from frontline politics and pursue new opportunities.

“As the first female Rural Affairs Secretary since devolution, I am proud of the policies I have been able to implement.

“Steering the Good Food Nation Act and the Agriculture and Rural Communities Acts through Parliament have been particular highlights.”

Gougeon added that she intends to continue campaigning for an SNP victory next year.

Nicola Sturgeon (Image: Robert Perry) Sturgeon paid tribute to Gougeon, saying she was one of the most talented ministers she appointed to government.

The former first minister told The Courier: “Mairi is one of the most talented ministers I appointed to government. She is an outstanding champion for her constituency and rural Scotland and, in particular, for Scotland’s world class food and drink industry.

“I’m so sorry that she plans to stand down from Holyrood. She will be a massive loss, but she should be hugely proud of the contribution she has made. I look forward to seeing what she does next.”

Meanwhile, First Minister John Swinney wrote on Twitter/X: "I am sorry Mairi Gougeon has decided not to seek re-election @ScotParl in 2026. I thank her warmly for her service and wish her well for the future."

I am sorry Mairi Gougeon has decided not to seek re-election @ScotParl in 2026. I thank her warmly for her service and wish her well for the future. https://t.co/Dpb5PQ8DRJ

— John Swinney (@JohnSwinney) March 14, 2025

Gougeon is the 20th SNP MSP set to leave Holyrood next year. Others who have announced their intention to step down include Humza Yousaf, Shona Robison, Fiona Hyslop and Graeme Dey.