Michael Matheson to Step Down from Scottish Parliament After 27 Years

The former health secretary, embroiled in an expenses scandal, joins over 20 SNP MSPs planning to leave before the next Holyrood election.

Michael Matheson, MSP for Falkirk West since 1999, announced he will not seek re-election in 2026, marking the end of a 27-year political career.
Matheson resigned as health secretary in 2024 after admitting his sons used his parliamentary iPad to rack up an £11,000 data roaming bill during a family holiday in Morocco.
The scandal led to his suspension from Holyrood for 27 days and the longest salary docking in Scottish Parliament history, totaling 54 days' pay.
Matheson is one of over 20 SNP MSPs stepping down ahead of the next election, including former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf.
SNP leaders have expressed concern over the loss of experienced politicians, while others highlight the emerging talent among proposed candidates for Holyrood.