Linda to call it a day
After over 20 years at Holyrood, MSP quits
Linda Fabiani has announced she is to step down from frontline politics after 20 years as an MSP.
Having served her community for over two decades, she told the News this week she will not be seeking re-selection from her SNP party ahead of next year’s Holyrood elections.
Sharing exclusively the reasons behind her decision with us, she said: “I’ve been so privileged to serve in Scotland’s first democratically elected Parliament since it was reconvened in 1999.
“By the election in 2021, I will have served for more than 20 years. I’ll be 65 in 2021 and I feel I cannot make another five-year commitment.
“There are many people in the SNP with great energy and commitment. I am happy to step aside and let someone else take up the challenge to represent East Kilbride and deliver independence.”
Having joined the SNP in 1990, Linda worked in campaigns for the party across Scotland, first standing for election to the Scottish Parliament in1999.
She was elected as a list MSP for Central Scotland, a position she held for three terms before spearheading a SNP victory over Labour in 2011 for the East Kilbride seat, holding on to it in the 2016 elections.
From 2007 to 2009 she served as Minister for Europe, External Affairs and Culture in the first ever SNP Government.
In a decorated career, Linda says she has always “tried to do the best” for the people of East Kilbride, but admits to some “if only” moments of regret.
She said: “It’s a job of many parts – helping individuals, organisations, local companies and, of course, promoting the town.
“I’ve taken every opportunity to make sure constituents and the town get a fair go. My big regret is not achieving independence in the 2014 referendum – many others now share that regret.
“I wish we could be further on in putting East Kilbride at the forefront of green technology and a carbon-free environment. Some of the good work started has been held up by the current pandemic.
“We must look beyond that and recognise the massive potential in the town, with lots of exciting prospects coming together through Smart Sustainable East Kilbride.
“This must link to an improved City Deal, revised to build on the announcement of electrification of the rail link – and, hopefully, 70 years late, twin tracking the line all the way to Glasgow.”
Integral in securing more powers for the Scottish Parliament, Linda chaired the Scotland Bill Committee in the wake of the Calman Commission report in 2009, and represented the SNP in the Smith Commission following the failed 2014 independence referendum.
But first and foremost, she has always fought for the people of East Kilbride, which she says has given her most fulfilment in her career.
That has seen her help with the creation of the EK Hangout
club for young people with learning difficulties; support the EK Sea Cadets as they grow from strengthto-strength; and mentor teenage fundraiser Jenny Cook, whose campaign office was opened by the First Minister, to name but a few.
She was also integral in helping tell the ‘Nae Pasaran’ story on the big screen, which honoured East Kilbride’s Rolls-Royce heroes.
She added: “Thank you for allowing me to have the honour of being the town’s representative over such a historic period.”
Upon retiring, Linda and her husband Duncan intend to travel. However, she admits this may be limited because of COVID-19.
Along with more spending time with family and friends overseas and at home, Linda says she’ll continue to fight against injustice, adding that she hopes to contribute in some way to her community too.
She added: “And campaigning for independence of course – that never stops.”
I feel I cannot make another fiveyear commitment Linda Fabiani