Roseanna Cunningham to stand down before next election

The former SNP depute leader has decided not to stand for re-election in 2021.

Scotland’s environment secretary has decided not to stand for re-election to parliament next year.

Roseanna Cunningham took to social media to announce her decision to stand down before the vote in 2021.

The long-standing SNP MSP for Perthshire South and Kinross-shire, who was first elected to represent the area as an MP in 1995, said it has been a tough call.

In a statement released on Saturday Cunningham, who was also SNP depute leader between 2000-2004, said: “It has been a massive honour to represent my constituents in both Westminster and Scottish Parliament for 25 years and to be able to serve my country as a cabinet secretary in the Scottish Parliament.

“With another election fast approaching I have to do some hard thinking, by the time of the next election I will be two months away from my 70th birthday, and by the end of the next term I would be nearly 75.

“This year, of all years, has made age a more relevant factor than it may otherwise have been.

“I have, accordingly, taken the very difficult decision to inform my local constituency association that I will not be seeking nomination as an SNP candidate in the 2021 election.”

Nicola Sturgeon says Cunningham “will be missed” but will still “make a significant contribution on Scotland’s journey to independence.”

The First Minister said: “A quarter of a century of brilliant public service. Roseanna will be missed in both Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government. I’m certain she’ll continue to make a significant contribution on Scotland’s journey to independence.”

https://twitter.com/NicolaSturgeon/status/1297157449959583744
STV News is now on WhatsApp

Get all the latest news from around the country

Follow STV News
Follow STV News on WhatsApp

Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

WhatsApp channel QR Code