Minister Graeme Dey to step down at 2026 Holyrood election

Another SNP MSP had decided to step down ahead of the 2026 Holyrood election.

Graeme Dey cited his age as his reason not to stand again, saying he will be almost 69 by the end of the next parliament.

The Angus South MSP has served in various Government roles, including currently as veterans minister and minister for higher and further education, and previously as transport minister and parliamentary business minister.

First Minister John Swinney described the former newspaper journalist as a “fantastic colleague” and said he is “sorry” to see the MSP go.

A number of MSPs have already announced their intention to step down, including former first minister Humza Yousaf and SNP MSPs Michelle Thomson and Audrey Nicoll.

Others, such as former first minister Nicola Sturgeon and Finance Secretary Shona Robison, have yet to make a final decision.

Announcing the news on social media on Wednesday, Mr Dey said it had been a privilege and honour to serve the constituency of Angus South for the last 14 years.

He said: “To have been afforded the honour of serving as a Scottish Government minister under three different first ministers is beyond anything I could have imagined when I was first elected in 2011.

“However, I have informed the Angus South Constituency Association of my decision not to seek the nomination to be the SNP candidate in 2026.

“Were I to be successfully re-elected, serving a further five-year term would see me approaching my 69th birthday when the 2031 elections came around.

“That’s not a commitment I feel able to make.”

Mr Dey said he will continue to give his “absolute best” for the remainder of the Parliament and campaign for his party in 2026.

“Beyond that I will remain a resolute campaigner for independence,” he added.

The First Minister said on social media: “I am sorry @GraemeDeyMSP has decided not to stand for re-election in Angus South.

“Graeme has been a fantastic colleague and minister and I wish him well.”