The former first minister said it was a “difficult decision” but confirmed she remains committed to Scotland’s independence movement.

Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s former first minister, has confirmed she will not seek re-election to the Scottish Parliament in 2026.

The Glasgow Southside MSP announced her decision on Wednesday, describing it as “far from easy.” Despite stepping back, she pledged to continue supporting the SNP’s push for independence.

Her announcement follows reports that the party had approved her candidacy despite an ongoing police investigation. Ms Sturgeon was arrested in 2023 as part of Operation Branchform, an inquiry into SNP finances, before being released without charge. Her former husband, ex-SNP chief executive Peter Murrell, was later charged in connection with alleged embezzlement of party funds.

The couple announced their separation earlier this year.

In a letter to party members, Ms Sturgeon, who stepped down as first minister in March 2023 after eight years, wrote that she had “known for some time” that it was the right moment to “embrace new opportunities.” She affirmed her commitment to ensuring the SNP retains the seat and vowed to stand with the party “every step of the way” towards independence.

Her successor as first minister, Humza Yousaf, has also declared he will not run for re-election in 2026.

Ms Sturgeon’s departure is part of a wider shift within the SNP, with over a dozen MSPs, including current further and higher education minister Graeme Dey, also stepping down.

However, First Minister John Swinney assured members that the party has a “strong talent pool” to select new candidates for the upcoming election.