SNP’s Annabelle Ewing will not run for re-election in 2026

Veteran SNP politician Annabelle Ewing, who is also one of Holyrood’s deputy presiding officers, has announced she will not run for re-election in 2026.

Ms Ewing, a former minister in previous SNP governments, said it has been an “honour” to represent Cowdenbeath but she will not be seeking renomination.

She is the daughter of Winnie Ewing, one of the party’s most significant figures who died in 2023.

Ms Ewing paid tribute to her mother at her funeral, describing her as a “trailblazer for women” and a “heroine”.

She was first elected as an MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region from 2011 to 2016, before then representing Cowdenbeath.

She previously served as MP for Perth from 2001 to 2005.

Ms Ewing said: “What an honour it is to represent Cowdenbeath constituency in the Scottish Parliament.

“My admiration for the grit, determination and community solidarity of my constituents is unbounded.

“So, it is very hard indeed to inform my constituents of my decision not to seek nomination as SNP candidate in the May 2026 Scottish Parliamentary elections.”

She thanked her staff and party members “who have ensured that the dream shall never die”.

Ms Ewing continued: “My constituents can be assured that in the meantime, I will continue to stand up for them and to ensure that their voices are heard in our Parliament.

“I will also continue to stand up for my country and to make the case through rational and gentle persuasion for Scottish independence.

“As my late mother, Winnie Ewing, famously said: Stop the world: Scotland wants to get on.”

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney thanked Ms Ewing for her contribution over the years.

In a post on X, he wrote: “I am sorry to see Annabelle standing down and thank her for the significant contribution she has made ⁦@ScotParl⁩ and ⁦@scotgov.

“I wish her well in all that lies ahead.”

A number of MSPs from across parties have already announced their intention to step down, including former first minister Humza Yousaf.

Ms Ewing’s announcement comes days after the SNP’s Gordon MacDonald said he would not contest Edinburgh Pentlands again.

Earlier in the week, Conservative MSPs Edward Mountain and Liz Smith said they would not seek re-election.

There have been reports that Ms Ewing’s brother Fergus – an outspoken backbencher who has been critical of the Government – will be blocked from running for the SNP in May 2026.

Asked about Mr Ewing, First Minister John Swinney has only said that the “democratic process” should be followed in local party branches.