Former SNP minister Alex Neil to face down as MSP

Former SNP minister Alex Neil is the newest senior celebration determine to announce he’ll stand down as an MSP at subsequent yr’s Holyrood election.

The 69-year-old has been an MSP for 21 years and is a former cupboard secretary for social justice.

He has been the constituency MSP for Airdrie and Shotts since 2011.

His announcement comes a day after Setting Secretary Roseanna Cunningham confirmed she wouldn’t stand for re-election subsequent yr.

Michael Russell, who represents Argyll and Bute, and Stewart Stevenson, the MSP for Banffshire and Buchan Coast, have beforehand mentioned they may also depart parliament on the election.

Saying his retirement on social media, Mr Neil mentioned he was “tempted” to face once more however needed to spend extra time along with his household.

New hospital web site

He mentioned: “The individuals on this constituency are nice, regardless of the various challenges we face. I used to be tempted to face once more as I really like my constituency.

“After a lot soul looking, I’ve determined that to commit to a different 5 years as an MSP would imply not having the time to pursue all the opposite issues in life I need to do.

“I’ve one other eight months to serve out my time period. My priorities throughout that point shall be to assist deal with the fall-out from the Coronavirus pandemic in my constituency and to make sure that the brand new Monklands Hospital shall be situated in one of many two shortlisted websites in Airdrie and never at Gartcosh.

“Extra typically, I’ll proceed to work full-time for my constituents up till I stop being their MSP on the finish of March 2021.”