Richard Lochhead MSP has today (Sunday) notified the Moray SNP Constituency Association that he will not be seeking nomination for the Moray candidacy at the upcoming 2026 election.
Mr Lochhead was first elected in 1999 as a regional member representing the North East of Scotland, before winning the 2006 by-election which saw him returned as the constituency MSP for Moray.
Moray’s MSP was Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs in the first ever SNP Government and has served as a Minister under all SNP First Ministers, and is currently the Minister for Business.
Having won seven consecutive elections, Mr Lochhead has decided it is time to pass on the torch and to seek fresh challenges outwith frontline politics.
Speaking from his local party meeting in Elgin, Richard Lochhead MSP said:
“Come the 2026 election, I will have had the absolute privilege of representing Moray for twenty years and will have served as a MSP since our national parliament was reconvened in 1999.
“After much reflection I’ve decided it is time to pass on the torch, and to seek fresh challenges outwith frontline politics.
“When I joined the SNP as a school boy I could not have imagined that I would have the honour to represent such a wonderful constituency for so many years.
“I’ve witnessed the SNP move from the fringes to where we are now – still the most popular party in Scotland by some margin according to the latest opinion polls and after seventeen years in government.
“From the bottom of my heart I want to thank my constituents for their endorsement and encouragement over the past twenty years – it has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of Moray.
“I must also thank my constituency office team and all members of Moray SNP Constituency Association for their support over the years – I could not have asked for better.
“I am proud of all we have delivered for Moray since the SNP came to office in 2007, including flood prevention schemes, new schools, more affordable housing, new health centres, the new Lossie bridge and so much more.
“I will endeavour to serve my constituents to the best of my ability for the remainder of my term and to do all I can to support the SNP Government, and will always maintain my lifelong commitment to the cause of independence for our country.
“I look forward to supporting the next SNP candidate for Moray in 2026 and will be working hard to ensure Moray once again returns an SNP MSP.”