A SECOND SNP MSP in 24 hours has confirmed they will not be standing for re-election in 2026.
Michelle Thomson, who has also been an elected MP for the SNP, told party members that she would not be standing for the Scottish Parliament again, Holyrood magazine reported.
In an email to her local branch, Thomson, 59, said that her personal caring responsibilities had to take precedence over her political career.
She wrote: "I have always believed that independence is the normal state of affairs for any country and this has been my guiding star since joining the SNP when I was at school.
"During my time as an MP, and now as an MSP, the evidence has been overwhelming that successive Westminster governments of all colours consistently demonstrate they do not have the best interests of the people of Scotland at heart.
"I want all responsibilities and the supporting powers to reside in our parliament: the Scottish Parliament. To this end I will continue, as we all must do, to inform, persuade and build the confidence of our fellow citizens.
"However, for some time now I have been under considerable pressure in my personal life with caring responsibilities. I have relied on the support of family and friends but, for the time being, my personal responsibilities must take precedence.
"I am buoyed by the range of experienced and committed candidates who have put their name forward and who can continue to ensure Falkirk East is represented by an independence-supporting candidate. Notification of my decision now allows for a selection process that meets your needs as committed activists."
Thomson is the constituency MSP for Falkirk East and deputy convener of Holyrood’s Economy and Fair Work Committee.
From 2015 to 2017, she was at Westminster as the MP for Edinburgh West.
First Minister John Swinney said: “I am very sorry to hear Michelle Thomson is standing down at the next election. She is a valued colleague and I wish her well in all that lies ahead.”
The announcement that Thomson will not stand in 2026 follows Joe Fitzpatrick, the SNP MSP for Dundee City West and a former minister, also ruling himself out of the running.
And on Sunday, SNP Business Minister Richard Lochhead also confirmed he would not be standing again.
