Conservative MSP and Eljamel campaigner Liz Smith to step down in 2026

The Conservative MSP who fought for victims of disgraced surgeon Sam Eljamel is to step down at the next election.

Liz Smith has spent almost 20 years in the Scottish Parliament, but will not stand for reelection in 2026.

The Mid Scotland and Fife MSP said she had "the opportunity to move on to other pursuits in public life".

Former teacher Smith is currently her party's spokesperson on social security and sits on the parliament's finance committee.

She was named Political Hero at last summer's Holyrood Garden Party and Political Awards for her campaigning on behalf of patients affected by former NHS Tayside neurosurgeon Eljamel.

The medic, who left Scotland for Libya, was found to have carried out botched procedures which left some patients with life-changing injuries.

An independent public inquiry was announced by ministers and Smith said her motivation was "getting justice and truth for the victims of this appalling surgeon".

Announcing her intention to step down, she said: "Yesterday, I wrote to my constituency chairman to inform him that it is not my intention to seek re-election at the Scottish Parliament elections in 2026.

"I feel that, after two decades as an MSP, it is time for new blood and also because I have the opportunity to move on to other pursuits in public life.

"It has been the greatest privilege to serve the Scottish Parliament and the electorate of Mid Scotland and Fife for two decades and to enjoy the support of many parliamentary colleagues across the political spectrum.

"I shall always be grateful to Sir Malcolm Rifkind and the late David McLetchie for their advice and encouragement in my early years in elected politics and to all my colleagues and staff members who have worked tirelessly with me over the years.

"Meanwhile, there is still a great deal of work to be undertaken at Holyrood not least of which is securing the successful passage of my member’s bill."

Smith's bill would provide five days of residential outdoor education to secondary school pupils.

A keen climber and former Scotland cricketer, Smith was awarded a CBE for services to sport.

She is the 15th serving MSP and second Tory to confirm plans to step down in 2026.

Responding to her announcement, Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay said: "I’d like to thank Liz Smith for her long and dedicated service to our party and to the Scottish Parliament. 

"She takes her responsibilities as an MSP seriously and her depth of knowledge and experience, coupled with her scrupulous analysis and sense of fairness, have won her respect from across the political spectrum.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Liz until next year’s critical Holyrood election, and wish her all the best for the future."