Labour’s long-serving MSP Rhoda Grant to leave Holyrood to ‘make way for others’

Long-serving Labour MSP Rhoda Grant has announced she is stepping down from Holyrood at next May’s election, saying it is “time to make way for others”.

The Highlands and Islands MSP was elected to Holyrood in the first Scottish Parliament election in 1999, and has gone on to serve in five of the six parliamentary terms since then.

However she announced on social media on Friday that she has “made the difficult decision that I will not be standing for re-election next year”.

Ms Grant, Labour’s rural affairs spokeswoman at Holyrood, said: “I have been honoured to represent the Highlands and Islands region over the years, but it is now time to make way for others.

“I have loved representing my region alongside people, too many to mention, who have worked with me, challenged me and supported me.

“Unfortunately, after thinking long and hard about the demands of this role, I do not feel I can continue to give the time and commitment required to do it justice and therefore hand on the baton to others and will not stand at the next Scottish Parliament elections.”

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar paid tribute to Ms Grant as a “dedicated colleague, a champion for the Highlands and islands and a source of sound advice”.

Mr Sarwar added: “The Scottish Parliament will miss Rhoda Grant, but I am sure she will continue to be a voice for equality and progress.”