Two more Tory MSPs to quit Holyrood role

THE Scottish Conservatives are set to lose one-third of their Holyrood group after two more MSPs announced they will be stepping down at the next election.

Former presiding officer Alex Fergusson and Nanette Milne, the party’s public health spokeswoman, said they would not contest next May’s poll.

They join Annabel Goldie (now Baroness Goldie), Mary Scanlon and Gavin Brown in deciding to leave Holyrood.

Party bosses hope the departure of so many experienced MSPs will be balanced by the opportunity it will give to younger candidates.

Among those hoping to enter parliament are Ian McGill, a former postman who stood in Edinburgh North and Leith at the last UK election.

Edinburgh councillor Lindsay Paterson and Aberdeenshire councillor Ross Thomson are also among those expected to do well in internal party selections.

The party will select its 72 constituency candidates by the end of this summer before holding an open election among members and registered supporters for places on the regional lists.

Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Mr Fergusson, who entered Holyrood in 1999, thanked his constituents and fellow MSPs for making him presiding officer between 2007 to 2011.

He said: “Someone once said that a week is a long time in politics, but I have to say that the last 17 years have simply flown by.”

Ms Milne was first elected in 2003, having joined the Conservatives in 1974.

She said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to represent my fellow North East citizens in the Scottish Parliament. As an MSP over the past 12 years, I am most proud of my behind-thescenes work which I have undertaken as an MSP on behalf of my constituents.”

The most recent poll, from TNS, showed support for Scots Tories holding steady. It suggested the party was set to take 17 seats next May.