SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll has announced her decision to step down at the next Holyrood election, clearing the way for Stephen Flynn to fight for a place in the Scottish Parliament.
MSP for Aberdeen South and North Kincardine, Nicoll made clear her intention to stand again after SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn announced he wanted to run for Holyrood last year.
However, the MSP appears to have changed her mind, notifying branch members of her intention to stand down and saying she looks forward to a candidate who will "give the interests of the constituency their full focus".
Nicoll said she would fulfil her duties over the remainder of her term.
She said: "Over the last four years, it has been an absolute privilege to represent Aberdeen South and North Kincardine in the Scottish Parliament as the SNP constituency MSP.
"Today, I have advised branch members of my intention to stand down at the next Holyrood elections.
"I look forward to a robust contest to select a strong candidate who will bring life experience, compassion, and respect to the role and give the interests of the constituency their full focus.
"I will, of course, continue to work tirelessly for all constituents and thank everyone who has supported me throughout my time in the Scottish Parliament."
As convener of Holyrood's Criminal Justice Committee and a former police officer, she has overseen several pieces of legislation through this term of parliament, including the Police (Ethics, Conduct and Scrutiny) (Scotland) and Bail and Release from Custody Bill.
In her constituency, the issue of RAAC has dominated with Nicoll advocating for support for constituents.
She has recently spoken in fellow MSP Michelle Thomson's members debate, encouraging women into enterprise, business , and STEM projects.
First Minister John Swinney commented on the news, and said: "I am very sorry to hear that Audrey Nicoll has decided to step down at the next election. She has made a superb contribution to the Scottish Parliament and I enjoyed serving on the Criminal Justice Committee under her leadership.
"I express my warmest thanks to her and wish her well."
Flynn sparked division within the SNP after he announced his intention to stand for Holyrood in the 2026 elections without resigning his seat as an MP, and later changed his mind.
Further anger was caused as Flynn had said he felt the rules put in place by the party's ruling body were "election specific" and added that it did not fill him "with any great delight" to go up against sitting Nicoll for selection of the Holyrood seat.
Flynn saw the SNP group he leads reduced to just nine MPs in the July General Election after a Scottish Labour revival north of the Border. It is unclear whether he will stand at Holyrood and resign his Westminster seat after rules over dual mandate changed.
The 2026 Holyrood election is set to be a tight race between the two parties, according to the polls.
