Ayrshire MSP to stand down at 2026 Holyrood election in 'difficult decision'

-Credit: (Image: UGC/Ayrshire Live)
-Credit: (Image: UGC/Ayrshire Live)


An Ayrshire MSP has announced that she will be standing down at the next Holyrood elections in 2026.

Elena Whitham, MSP for Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley said it was the “privilege of my life” to represent and serve her constituents at the Scottish Parliament but said the “difficult decision” to stand down was “right for me and my family”.

Previously a councillor on East Ayrshire Council for Irvine Valley between 2015 and 2022, Ms Whitham was elected to Holyrood at the 2021 election and will serve just one term in office.

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During her time at the Scottish Parliament, she served as Minister for Community Safety and as Minister for Drug and Alcohol Policy.

Ms Whitham becomes the fourth serving MSP to announce their intention to stand down at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election after John Mason (Glasgow Shettleston), James Dornan (Glasgow Cathcart) and Christine Grahame (Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale).

In a statement announcing her decision, Ms Whitham said: “It has been the privilege of my life to serve the people of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley as MSP for the past three and a half years.

“It was also an immense honour to work on my passion for social justice across two ministerial roles. I will be forever proud of what I have achieved with the help and support of my constituents.

“After much soul searching and discussion with my loved ones, I have decided that I will not be seeking re-election for the next Holyrood election. This was a difficult decision to make but one I know is right for me and my family.

“I will continue to give my all for the people of Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley for the next 18 months with the support of my amazing team.

“I will always believe that a better future lies ahead for Scotland as an independent nation. Whoever succeeds me as candidate will have my full support as we continue with our mission.”

Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley will now be looking for its fourth different MSP in four elections after Adam Ingram - MSP from 2011 to 2016 - and Jeane Freeman - from 2016 to 2022 - also only served one term in office.

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