Gougeon becomes latest SNP MSP to announce she is standing down

Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon has become the latest in a string of SNP MSPs to announce they plan to stand down.

The Angus North and Mearns politician told the Courier she would not seek re-election next year having spent “half of my life” in politics.

Previously an Angus councillor, the 39-year-old was elected to Holyrood in 2016, made a minister two years later and appointed by Nicola Sturgeon to her current role in 2021, holding through two other first ministers.

In recent months, 20 SNP MSPs including former first ministers Ms Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf have announced they would be standing down, 14 of whom are women.

“It has been the honour of my life to be elected to represent and serve the people of my home constituency of Angus North and Mearns as an SNP representative since 2016, and before that as a councillor for Brechin and Edzell since 2007,” she said.

Come 2026, I will have been in an elected position for just about half of my life and the time has come for me to take a step back from frontline politics and pursue new opportunities

“My constituency truly is the very best of Scotland and I have worked every day to ensure its voice is heard.

“Come 2026, I will have been in an elected position for just about half of my life and the time has come for me to take a step back from frontline politics and pursue new opportunities.”

She added: “As the first female rural affairs secretary since devolution, I am proud of the policies I have been able to implement.

“Steering the Good Food Nation Act and the Agriculture and Rural Communities Act through Parliament have been particular highlights.”

In a post on X, First Minister John Swinney said: “I am sorry Mairi Gougeon has decided not to seek re-election @ScotParl in 2026.

“I thank her warmly for her service and wish her well for the future.”