Douglas Ross to Leave Holyrood in 2026, Eyes Return to Westminster

The former Scottish Conservative leader will focus on advancing his Addiction Recovery Bill and supporting his party before stepping down as an MSP.

Douglas Ross has announced he will not seek re-election to Holyrood in 2026 as he plans to run for Westminster in the next general election.
Ross will continue his work as convener of the Scottish Parliament’s Education Committee and push to pass his Right to Addiction Recovery Bill during his remaining time as an MSP.
He pledged to support current Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay in efforts to maximize the party’s performance in the 2026 Scottish Parliament election.
Ross previously served as an MP for Moray but lost his seat to the SNP in 2024 after boundary changes abolished his constituency.
His 18-year political career includes roles as councillor, MP, MSP, and leader of the Scottish Conservatives, during which he maintained the party’s 31 seats in the 2021 Holyrood election.