Richard Lochhead, minister for business in the Scottish Government, will not be standing for re-election in 2026 as he seeks “fresh challenges” outside of frontline politics.

Mr Lochhead, 55, was elected in 1999, representing the North East of Scotland as a regional member and will complete two decades as the Moray constituency MSP for 20 years by next year.

He served as cabinet secretary for rural affairs, minister for further and higher education and science, minister for just transition, employment and fair work, and has held his current post since 2023.

In May last year, he was taken to hospital for sepsis – a life-threatening illness that meant he was in hospital for six weeks. He to learn to walk again, and said it took two to three weeks for his voice to return.

Announcing his resignation at a party meeting in Elgin on Sunday, he said: “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 17 years in government.

“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.”

Former First Minister Humza Yousaf has announced that he will not contest the seat and his predecessor Nicola Sturgeon is not expected to seek a return to Holyrood.