Junior education minister Ben Macpherson resigns

Junior education minister Ben Macpherson has resigned from the Scottish Government to “attend to other important pressures”.

Macpherson was appointed as innovation, technology and tertiary education minister following the Holyrood election in May, having served as higher and further education minister since last September.

In a letter to First Minister John Swinney, the Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith MSP did not give a specific reason for his decision to stand down.

But he said: “I have, however, reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical wellbeing.

“Without the constraints and demands of a ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government.

“Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on.”

The portfolio, the now-former minister said, was “in a stronger place”, adding that he had “worked hard and carried the responsibility carefully”.

He added: “My apologies to you and all involved for the inconvenience of this resignation, and thank you for kindly understanding my reasoning.

“Again, this has been a very difficult decision for me and I reiterate strongly my support for both you and the Government.”

Responding to Macpherson’s letter, the First Minister praised his work in the post and his previous junior minister jobs, adding: “I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.

“I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so.”