Douglas Ross to quit Holyrood at the 2026 Scottish Parliament election as he sets his sights on a return to Westminster. The former Scottish Conservative leader confirmed he will not seek re-election as an MSP for the Highlands and Islands region, instead focusing on standing as a candidate in the next UK general election.
Ross, who served as MP for Moray from 2017 until 2024, resigned as party leader last summer after facing backlash over his decision to stand for the Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat—despite it being previously earmarked for his ill colleague, David Duguid. His controversial candidacy, combined with his multiple roles as MSP, MP, party leader, and football assistant referee, drew criticism and earned him the nickname “three jobs.”
Ross Ends Holyrood Career to Pursue UK Parliament Comeback
In a statement, Ross said: “As I hope to stand for Westminster again at the next general election, I believe it is right that I don’t seek election to Holyrood in 2026.” He added that he would work “flat out” to support his successor Russell Findlay in returning as many Scottish Conservative MSPs as possible at the upcoming election.
Ross has been a regional MSP since 2016 and previously scored a shock victory over former SNP Westminster leader Angus Robertson in Moray in 2017. Although he lost the new Aberdeenshire North and Moray East seat to the SNP in the 2024 general election, Ross remains committed to a political comeback at the national level.
Party Leadership and Internal Fallout
Ross’s departure from Holyrood comes after a turbulent tenure as Scottish Conservative leader. His decision to run for Westminster while still holding his Holyrood seat and party leadership position was seen as unsustainable, ultimately prompting his resignation.
Despite the controversy, Russell Findlay praised Ross for his contributions. “Douglas achieved record support for the Scottish Conservatives in the 2021 election and has always stood up for Moray,” Findlay said.
A Changing Political Landscape Ahead of 2026
Ross joins a growing list of high-profile MSPs stepping away from the Scottish Parliament in 2026. The departure list includes former first ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, and former Scottish Labour leader Richard Leonard.
While no longer in a leadership position, Ross has remained active on the backbenches, recently challenging university leaders in committee hearings. He now appears poised for a strategic pause in frontline politics as he prepares a renewed bid to re-enter the UK Parliament.
