With the 2026 Scottish Parliament election scheduled for May 7, numerous veteran MSPs, including former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, and ex-Conservative leader Douglas Ross, are not seeking re-election. This has created opportunities for emerging party candidates aiming to become MSPs and shape the future of Scottish politics.
Scottish Greens and Liberal Democrats Target Constituency Gains
The Scottish Greens aim for their first-ever constituency seat with Glasgow councillor Holly Bruce contesting Glasgow Southside, the former seat of Nicola Sturgeon. Bruce, 32, emphasizes grassroots politics and increasing representation of young, working-class women. Under leaders Ross Greer and Gillian Mackay, the Greens hope to improve on their 2021 record of eight seats.
Meanwhile, Dutch-born Sanne Dijkstra-Downie, a councillor for Edinburgh’s Forth ward, is running for the Edinburgh Northern constituency as a Scottish Liberal Democrat. Dijkstra-Downie highlights her commitment to education, civil liberties, environmental causes, and increased government support for local councils. Party leader Alex Cole-Hamilton endorsed her candidacy, emphasizing her experience and community focus.
SNP and Labour Present Candidates with Local and Professional Experience
The Scottish National Party (SNP) selected 25-year-old Angus councillor Lloyd Melville to contest Angus South. Melville, who joined the SNP after the 2016 EU referendum, stresses policies like free university tuition and affordable housing. The SNP describes him as a dynamic communicator engaged in local service delivery and community initiatives, such as supporting Ukrainian refugees.
Scottish Labour’s candidate for Renfrewshire North and Cardonald is Mike McKirdy, a retired NHS breast cancer surgeon with 40 years of medical experience. McKirdy, who led a 2025 Scottish Labour health service review, cites concerns over NHS performance and Scotland’s low life expectancy as central to his platform. The party underscored his extensive NHS knowledge and commitment to health policy reform.
Scottish Conservatives and Other Parties Field Local Councilors
The Scottish Conservatives chose Highland councillor Helen Crawford to run in Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. Crawford, 56, entered politics in 2022 motivated by concerns over support for children and teachers. Known locally for moderate views, she aims to represent her community at Holyrood.
This election cycle marks a substantial turnover in Holyrood representation, with a significant number of long-serving MSPs stepping down and fresh candidates across parties seeking to fill the resulting vacancies and address key policy areas including education, health, housing, and community engagement.
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