SNP MSP Stewart won't stand next year

SNP MSP and former minister Kevin Stewart will not stand for reelection to Holyrood next year, he has announced.

- By Craig Paton

In a letter to the First Minister, the Aberdeen Central MSP said he was not "100% physically fit" after a four-week absence due to illness.

Having been elected in the SNP majority parliament of 2011, Mr Stewart went on to be a minster for local government, mental wellbeing and transport.

However, he resigned from the latter in 2023 citing mental health issues.

The former minister was announced as the Aberdeen Central candidate earlier this year, meaning local activists will have to quickly vote for a replacement.