North East MSP to Stand Down

North East Conservative MSP Nanette Milne has announced she will stand down at the Holyrood election next year.

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

She is a member for the North East, and the party's public health spokesperson.

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 last 12 years, I am most proud of my behind-the-scenes work which I have undertaken as an MSP on behalf of my constituents.

As the Scottish Conservative spokeswoman on public health and a member of the Parliament's health and sport committee, I have spent a significant part of my time focused on health issues, which as a former medic I have found very rewarding.

Looking to the future and the next Scottish Parliament, it is vital that Scotland has a strong opposition to the SNP and that other political voices are heard in the Scottish Parliament.

I have been concerned for some time that central belt bias is emerging as dominant within Holyrood, and I fear the Scottish Parliament is rapidly becoming remote from our local issues and concerns.

I would like to thank all those who have helped me over the years during my time as an MSP.

It is my love for the north east and its people that has driven me as an MSP and as I now look towards my retirement I can look forward to having time to do the many other things I enjoy.''