Conservative MSP Liz Smith to step down at next year’s Holyrood election

Conservative Liz Smith has announced she is stepping down after almost 20 years as an MSP, saying it is “time for new blood” at Holyrood.

She is the latest MSP to declare their intention to stand down at next May’s Scottish Parliament election, with Smith saying she has the “opportunity to move on to other pursuits in public life”.

She has represented the Mid Scotland and Fife region since 2007, in that time serving as her party’s education and finance spokeswoman.

She is currently spearheading a member’s Bill at Holyrood which aims to ensure all pupils can benefit from a residential outdoor education trip during their time at school.

Prior to her time at Holyrood, Smith worked as a teacher, but left in 1997 to work as an adviser to senior Tory Sir Malcolm Rifkind.

She thanked Sir Malcolm and the former Scottish Conservative leader, the late David McLetchie, for their encouragement early in her political career.

Announcing her decision, Smith said: “I feel that after two decades as an MSP, it is time for new blood and also because I have the opportunity to move on to other pursuits in public life.

“It has been the greatest privilege to serve the Scottish Parliament and the electorate of Mid Scotland and Fife for two decades and to enjoy the support of many parliamentary colleagues across the political spectrum.

“I shall always be grateful to Sir Malcolm Rifkind and the late David McLetchie for their advice and encouragement in my early years in elected politics, and to all my colleagues and staff members who have worked tirelessly with me over the years.

“Meanwhile, there is still a great deal of work to be undertaken at Holyrood, not least of which is securing the successful passage of my member’s Bill.”

Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay thanked the MSP for her “long and dedicated service to our party and to the Scottish Parliament”.

Speaking about Smith, he added: “She takes her responsibilities as an MSP seriously and her depth of knowledge and experience, coupled with her scrupulous analysis and sense of fairness, have won her respect from across the political spectrum.

“I look forward to continuing to work with Liz until next year’s critical Holyrood election, and wish her all the best for the future.”