David Stewart to stand down as MSP

David Stewart will retire at the the next election, the Scottish Labour MSP has confirmed.

Stewart, who will turn 65 the day before the 2021 election, became MP for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber in 1997, doubling his majority in 2001 before losing his seat to Lib Dem Danny Alexander in 2005.

In 2007 he re-entered politics as a Highlands and Islands Labour MSP on the regional list, and was elected for a further two terms.

As an MSP Stewart lodged two successful member’s bills, one on dangerous buildings, allowing councils to step in and recoup costs if property is in a dangerous state, and the other for installing fire sprinklers in all new social housing, which is expected to come into place next year with the implementation of new Scottish Government regulations.

Announcing his plans to stand down, the Highlands and Islands Labour MSP described retiring as “a bitter sweet moment”.

He said: “I’ve been dedicated to politics and the Labour Party for most of my life. I’ve met thousands of people, worked cross-party with countless politicians, been on the doorstep with many activists for Westminster and Scottish Parliament elections and I don’t regret a moment of it.

“It’s been a privilege to serve Inverness and the Highlands and Islands throughout my career but it’s time to move over for new blood.”