Veteran MSP Fergus Ewing says he won’t stand for SNP – but may run as an independent

Long-serving SNP MSP Fergus Ewing has said he will not run for the party at the next election – but may stand as an independent.

Ewing, who has become a vocal critic of his party from the backbenches, said he could not defend the SNP’s record following its failure to “deliver on its long-standing pledges to dual the A9 and A96”.

In a statement he said it was “with great sadness” that he had decided not to submit his name for nomination as an SNP candidate.

He said: “I have stood in every election on these pledges, and so, as a matter of honour, I simply cannot defend the lack of delivery.

“Many supporters in my own constituency and throughout the country have, over the past few years, urged me to stand as an independent voice in Holyrood. Many across the party divide, which has become far too tribal and divisive, have also asked me to stand as an independent defender of their interests in business, tourism, rural economy, oil and gas, and the wider community.

“The key issue for me as a constituency MSP is delivery on the promises both I and my party have made at election after election. Therefore, unless substantial and significant progress is made before next March on both dualling road projects, I may consider standing [as an] independent candidate. I will set out in due course what that progress should reasonably entail.”

Ewing, the son of SNP icon Winnie Ewing, who died in 2023, was first elected to the Scottish Parliament when in 1999.

He previously served as rural affairs secretary but has been at odds with his party over a number of issues including the deposit return scheme, gender recognition reform and marine protected areas.

He added: “If any still loyal SNP members are disappointed by this announcement, I am truly sorry for that. But sadly, the SNP just is no longer the party for all of Scotland, as it has been for most of my 50 years as a member - the national party.”