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With another one announced tonight and selection procedures gearing up in a number of parties, it might be worth keeping a little Twitter thread of MSPs Expected to Retire at the 2021 Scottish Parliament Election on the go.
So, freshly announced;
James Dornan (SNP, Glasgow Cathcart, 2011-)
Had been a councillor for Langside since 2011 & group leader on the City Council. Cathcart was next best bet for SNP in 2011 after Southside and Kelvin, and duly tipped SNP in their landslide majority.
James Dornan (SNP, Glasgow Cathcart, 2011-)
Had been a councillor for Langside since 2011 & group leader on the City Council. Cathcart was next best bet for SNP in 2011 after Southside and Kelvin, and duly tipped SNP in their landslide majority.
Bruce Crawford (SNP, Mid Scotland & Fife 1999-2007, Stirling 2007-)
Elected as a councillor in the late 80's, and was one of first crop of MSPs in 1999. Crucially, he was Minister for Parliamentary Business in the SNP's first narrow minority government in 2007.
Elected as a councillor in the late 80's, and was one of first crop of MSPs in 1999. Crucially, he was Minister for Parliamentary Business in the SNP's first narrow minority government in 2007.
Ruth Davidson (Conservative, Glasgow 2011-2016, Edinburgh Central 2016-)
Pretty new on the scene in 2011, she was elected party leader, culminating in a big comeback that made them second largest party in Scotland at all levels. Exiting leadership last summer a bit of a surprise!
Pretty new on the scene in 2011, she was elected party leader, culminating in a big comeback that made them second largest party in Scotland at all levels. Exiting leadership last summer a bit of a surprise!
Elaine Smith (Labour, Coatbridge Chryston & Bellshill 1999-2016, Central Scotland 2016-)
Another original 1999 MSP, Smith was Deputy Presiding Officer for the 2011-16 term, and notably on the more Left and Eurosceptic wing of the party.
Another original 1999 MSP, Smith was Deputy Presiding Officer for the 2011-16 term, and notably on the more Left and Eurosceptic wing of the party.
Neil Findlay (Labour, Lothian 2011-)
Like Smith, a leading figure of the Labour Left in Scotland. Was a councillor from 2003 until being elected to Holyrood. Findlay stood for party leader in 2014, coming second behind the ill-fated Jim Murphy - a bullet dodged, perhaps?
Like Smith, a leading figure of the Labour Left in Scotland. Was a councillor from 2003 until being elected to Holyrood. Findlay stood for party leader in 2014, coming second behind the ill-fated Jim Murphy - a bullet dodged, perhaps?
John Finnie (Green, Highlands & Islands 2011-)
Originally SNP, Finnie was elected to Highland Council in 2007 before becoming an MSP. Left SNP late 2012 over change in NATO policy and sat as an Ind for rest of term. Joined Greens in 2014 and re-elected under that label in 2016.
Originally SNP, Finnie was elected to Highland Council in 2007 before becoming an MSP. Left SNP late 2012 over change in NATO policy and sat as an Ind for rest of term. Joined Greens in 2014 and re-elected under that label in 2016.
Richard Lyle (SNP, Central Scotland 2011-2016, Uddingston and Bellshill 2016-)
A very long serving councillor from 1976 until his election as MSP in 2011, he's been on the backbench for the duration of his time at Holyrood, so no other interesting titbits really!
A very long serving councillor from 1976 until his election as MSP in 2011, he's been on the backbench for the duration of his time at Holyrood, so no other interesting titbits really!
Gail Ross (SNP, Caithness, Sutherland and Ross 2016-)
Elected as a Highland councillor in 2011, Ross was one of the fresh intake of 2016 MSPs. CSR is the largest single constituency of the Scottish Parliament and most remote on mainland, which has impacted decision.
Elected as a Highland councillor in 2011, Ross was one of the fresh intake of 2016 MSPs. CSR is the largest single constituency of the Scottish Parliament and most remote on mainland, which has impacted decision.
Mike Russell (SNP, South Scotland 99-03, 07-11, Argyll & Bute 2011-)
Most senior retirement so far, Russell has served in Government for most of the time since SNP took office in 2007, successively holding Environment, Culture, Education and currently (effectively) Brexit briefs.
Most senior retirement so far, Russell has served in Government for most of the time since SNP took office in 2007, successively holding Environment, Culture, Education and currently (effectively) Brexit briefs.
Stewart Stevenson (SNP, Banff and Buchan Coast 2001-)
Another SNP Holyrood veteran, Stevenson was Transport minister in first SNP Government before (lack of preparedness for) snow took him out. Briefly returned as Environment minister months later, but on backbenches since 2012.
Another SNP Holyrood veteran, Stevenson was Transport minister in first SNP Government before (lack of preparedness for) snow took him out. Briefly returned as Environment minister months later, but on backbenches since 2012.
Aileen Campbell (SNP, South Scotland 2007-11, Clydesdale 2011-)
The youngest MSP in the 2007 intake, Campbell has served in government since 2011. Longest spell was as Minister for Children and Young People, and in 2018 she entered cabinet with Communities & Local Govt portfolio.
The youngest MSP in the 2007 intake, Campbell has served in government since 2011. Longest spell was as Minister for Children and Young People, and in 2018 she entered cabinet with Communities & Local Govt portfolio.
Mark McDonald (Independent elected SNP, North East 2011-13, Aberdeen Donside 2013-)
Missed this one the other day. Briefly served as Minister for Childcare and Early Years, but when issues of inappropriate behaviour emerged in 2017, he was suspended then resigned from the SNP.
Missed this one the other day. Briefly served as Minister for Childcare and Early Years, but when issues of inappropriate behaviour emerged in 2017, he was suspended then resigned from the SNP.
For folk keeping tabs, here are the retiring MSPs so far marked by constituency/list seat position.
Note that whilst Derek Mackay is all but certain not to stand in 2021 there remains an open question at the moment of a by-election pre-2021, so he is not (yet?) included.
Note that whilst Derek Mackay is all but certain not to stand in 2021 there remains an open question at the moment of a by-election pre-2021, so he is not (yet?) included.
Mary Fee (Labour, West Scotland 2011-)
Announced ages ago but missed it! Previously a Renfrewshire councillor in 2007, Fee held various roles on the Labour frontbench during the 2011-16 session.
Announced ages ago but missed it! Previously a Renfrewshire councillor in 2007, Fee held various roles on the Labour frontbench during the 2011-16 session.
This thread of "MSPs not standing for re-election in 2021" took a bit of a pause when the pandemic caused party selection procedures to pale into insignificance. There have been a few in that time and another today, so let's get this thread back up and running!
