Long-standing Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has announced that she
will not be seeking re-election at the next Scottish Parliament election.
The Stornoway born politician first became a Member of the Scottish Parliament upon its establishment in 1999 and has served in five of the six terms since then.
In respect of her decision, Rhoda Grant said: “I have been honoured to represent the Highlands and Islands Region over the years, but it is now time to make way for others.
“I have loved representing my region alongside people, too many to mention, who have worked with me, challenged me and supported me.
“Unfortunately, after thinking long and hard about the demands of this role, I do not feel I can continue to give the time and commitment required to do it justice and therefore hand on the baton to others and will not stand at the next Scottish Parliament elections.
Mrs Grant continued: “The Scottish Labour Party has already selected a number of
excellent candidates in the region including Donald MacKinnon in Na h-Eileanan an
Iar, who is a well-known crofter and community development worker who knows the Islands
inside out. I have known Donald for many years and am delighted he stands ready
to represent these islands.
“I also know there are other excellent candidates waiting to be selected for the other constituencies and regional list. It therefore makes it easier for me to step back when I know there is such talent waiting in the wings.
“I want to thank all those who worked and supported me through the years, those who built a web of support and encouragement around me. I also want to thank my team, present and past, who have worked hard for our constituents and our region.
“I do not think it is possible to entirely switch off from representing the region that I love and I will continue to push for improvement to our services and opportunities whenever that opportunity arises.”
As an MSP, Mrs Grant has served on a number of cross-party groups, including the
Crofting CPG and co-convening CPGs on Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation.
As a result of this she was invited to speak at a UN side event at the 67th Session
of the Commission on the status of Women in New York.
Her Member’ Bill on Domestic Abuse was adopted and became an act in April 2011 which
made it an offence to engage in an abusive course of conduct against a current or
ex-partner and she has served as the Labour spokesperson on a number of areas, including
Rural and Islands; Women’s Equalities; Justice and Finance.
Labour MSP Rhoda Grant announces decision to stand down at next election
15 May 2025