Former Scottish health secretary will not seek re-election in 2026

Michael Matheson has announced he will not stand for re-election next next year.

Mr Matheson, MSP for Falkirk West, announced on Sunday evening that after more than 25 years as a politician he will not be seeking to keep his parliamentary seat.

Mr Matheson was one of the original MSPs, elected in 1999, and will have served 27 years by the time the 2026 election comes around.

He said serving the community has been a “privilege” and that he is grateful to his constituents for their support over more than two decades.

He wrote: “As one of the original Members of the Scottish Parliament elected in 1999, by the time of the election in 2026 I will have served as an MSP for 27 years.

“When I joined the SNP at 17 years of age the re-establishment of a Scottish Parliament was still a distant prospect.

“I could never have imagined that I would have had the privilege to represent Falkirk in our national Parliament for over two decades.

“I want to offer my sincere thanks to my constituents for the support and encouragement they have given me over the last 26 years, it has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of Falkirk.”

Mr Matheson was originally elected for the Central Scotland region, and later became Falkirk West’s MSP in 2007.

During his parliamentary career, he has served as justice secretary (2014-18), transport secretary (2018-23) and health secretary (2023-24).

He paid tribute to his peers and colleagues for their support over his parliamentary career, and said he is proud of the progress made in his constituency since his tenure began.

He wrote: “During my time in Parliament, I was also honoured to serve in Government for 13 years across five different ministerial portfolios.

“I will always be deeply grateful to have had the opportunity to serve in Government and to implement policy in justice, health, transport and climate change that has made Scotland a better place for all.

“I want to thank my constituency office staff – some of whom have been with me throughout my time in Parliament for their support over the years.

“I also could not ask for a better constituency association who have been with me every step of the way during our election campaigns.”

I will, of course, continue to serve my constituents to the best of my ability for the remainder of my term, and I look forward to seeking new challenges outwith frontline politics

He added: “While there are many challenges within the Falkirk West constituency, I am extremely proud of the improvements that have been achieved since the SNP’s election in 2007, with investment in our hospital, more affordable social housing and improvements to our school estate to name a few.

“I will, of course, continue to serve my constituents to the best of my ability for the remainder of my term, and I look forward to seeking new challenges outwith frontline politics.

“In passing on the Falkirk West SNP torch, I look forward to supporting our candidate for next year’s election to ensure Falkirk West returns an SNP MSP.

“Yours for Scotland, Michael.”