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Richard Lochhead thanks Moray for support after announcing end of ‘fair shift’ as MSP





Even after announcing he will not seek re-election as Moray’s MSP in 2026, Richard Lochhead continues to ask himself: “Why am I giving all this up?”

In 1999 Richard, then-29, was elected to the Scottish Parliament as a regional MSP for North East Scotland, before he became Moray’s MSP in 2006.

Moray MSP Richard Lochhead at the 2019 General Election count…Picture: Daniel Forsyth.
Moray MSP Richard Lochhead at the 2019 General Election count…Picture: Daniel Forsyth.

He began considering an exit from “frontline politics” after the 2021 election, but found the final decision a very difficult one.

The MSP announced that he would step aside at the 2026 election in a statement released on Sunday.

“It's been a really hard decision, but my gut tells me that it's the right decision for myself,” Richard said.

“And, given that by next year's elections I'll have represented Moray for 20 years, I think it's a nice point to bow out and pass on the torch.

“I've always felt so blessed to represent Moray.

Richard Lochhead on the night he was first elected MSP for Moray.
Richard Lochhead on the night he was first elected MSP for Moray.

“But all good things have to come to an end, and life has to move on.

“I think 27 years will be seen by most people as putting in a fair shift.”

When he joined the SNP as a schoolboy, Richard never imagined having the “enormous privilege” of being an MSP for almost three decades.

“Being an MSP is an enormous privilege,” he said.

“I will miss the job and the life of being an MSP and a public servant.

Richard Lochhead is sworn in at Holyrood while holding a stave from the Clavie.
Richard Lochhead is sworn in at Holyrood while holding a stave from the Clavie.

“So, of course, I continue to ask myself: ‘Why am I giving all this up?’

“But you have to seek new challenges in life.”

The SNP politician said he was proud of the work he has achieved over the decades.

Along with helping thousands of individuals with their cases, he listed successful campaigns for new schools, health centres and flood prevention programmes among his career highlights.

He added: “One of the achievements I’m most proud of is the role I played in helping to deliver the new Lossie footbridge.

Richard Lochhead holds up The Northern Scot in Holyrood, while addressing calls for an Elgin bypass.
Richard Lochhead holds up The Northern Scot in Holyrood, while addressing calls for an Elgin bypass.

“Which, of course, is famous and crucial to the local community in Lossiemouth.”

Richard said he was proud to have won seven Scottish Parliament elections in a row, and to have served as a minister under all four SNP First Ministers.

Between 2007 and 2016 he was the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Food and Environment and, since 2018, has moved through a range of ministerial jobs.

Since March 29, 2023, he has served as Minister for Business.

Despite his plans to step back, he also remains optimistic about the future of Scotland and the prospects for his party.

“I'm leaving the local party in good heart.

“After around 17 years in power, the SNP still has a commanding lead in the opinion polls - which is quite remarkable - and support for independence across the country is around 50 per cent.

“And of course, I look forward to supporting our new candidates as much as I can once they've been selected.”

Last year, the politician was left unable to walk and struggling to speak after he contracted sepsis after an emergency heart operation.

However, after a six-week battle, he was praised for making a return to his duties and continuing to serve the public as MSP.

Richard thanked those from Moray and further afield who reached out after he revealed he would not be standing again.

“I'd also say that I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all the constituents who have sent me such kind messages since my announcement,” he said.

“It means the world to me.

“I think anyone in any job is so busy just getting on with their day-to-day responsibilities, that sometimes they don't take enough time to step back and reflect.

“So that's why it's so nice to hear such lovely feedback and heartwarming messages from so many people across Moray society and beyond.”


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