SNP minister Natalie Don-Innes has announced she will not seek re-election next year.
The SNP MSP for Renfrewshire North and West said it had been the “biggest honour” representing her constituency, but it was the “right” decision for her and her family to step down next year.
Don-Innes was elected in May 2021 and has been the Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise since 2023.
In a statement posted on social media, Don-Innes said she could “never have imagined” being elected as a member of the Scottish Parliament to represent the area that she grew up in and loved so much.
The post read: “It has been the honour of my life representing the people of Renfrewshire North and West. However, at this time I have to confirm that I will not be seeking re-election in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
“I honestly cannot put into words how much this role has meant to me. It has genuinely been the biggest honour to have served the Renfrewshire North & West constituency since May 2021. As a young working class woman from Renfrewshire I could never have imagined it could be possible to be elected as a member of the Scottish Parliament to represent the area that I grew up in and love so much.
“I hope that what I have achieved encourages more people who wouldn’t necessarily get involved in politics to do so.
“This has probably been the most difficult decision I have ever made and one that I have wrestled with. However I feel that at this time, it is the right one for me and my family.”
Don-Innes added that she has a young family, which she is thinking about growing further, and that being an MSP comes with sacrifices along with being a mother.
She added that she will continue to support the First Minister, John Swinney, and that she is still “fully committed” to Scottish independence and the SNP.
Don-Innes said she will continue to campaign and will look for every opportunity to further the case for Scottish independence while thanking all the SNP supporters who have helped her during her time as an MSP.
Her statement concluded: “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank every single person who has voted for me, supported me and allowed me to be in this position in the first place. I also want to thank my amazing constituency office team for the hard work they put in every day, to help local people. Finally, I want to thank my family for supporting me every step of the way.
“While this is the right decision for me now, I have thoroughly embraced and enjoyed my time as an elected member so who knows what the future may hold.”
