Ex-minister to step down as SNP MSP at next election after 19 years in Holyrood

A former minister has announced his intention to stand down as an MSP at the next Holyrood election.

Dundee City West MSP Joe FitzPatrick said now is “the right time” for him to step aside after representing the city since 2007.

He has served in various government roles since then, including minister for parliamentary business from 2012 to 2018, minister for public health from 2018 to 2020, and minister for local government empowerment from 2023 to 2024.

He also served on Holyrood’s Finance Committee and was convener of the Local Government Committee.

He is the latest SNP MSP to announce their intention not to stand in 2026.

Former first minister Humza Yousaf and business minister Richard Lochhead have confirmed they will not run again, while Finance Secretary Shona Robison has said she is still making up her mind.

Mr FitzPatrick, who was a councillor for eight years before joining Holyrood, said it has been a “tremendous honour” to be the MSP for Dundee City West.

He said in a statement: “I never for a moment expected that I would have the privilege of representing Dundee over the course of four successive parliaments.

“It has been a tremendous honour to speak up on behalf of the people of our great city and serve as their local MSP, and to have earned their trust with an increased share of the vote at every election.

“The transformation of Dundee over the past 27 years has been nothing short of remarkable. There is now a real confidence amongst Dundonians about the city’s progress and its future that just wasn’t really there before.”

The politician said he is “proud” to have led on legislation to introduce a lobbying register while in government, as well as the opt-out donor donation system, and delivering the previous council tax freeze.

He added: “After 19 years as an MSP, I feel that now is the right time for me to step down and give someone else the opportunity to stand as the local SNP candidate, so that they can take forward our strong record of delivering for Dundee.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank my constituency team and the wider SNP family who have supported me in everything I have done over the years.”