‘Hostile environment’ drives many of SNP’s female MSPs to step down before 2026 vote

The parliament chamber at Holyrood. A record number of 58 female MSPs across all parties were elected in 2021. Photograph: Colin Fisher/Alamy

Holyrood is becoming a “hostile environment for women” and a significant number of female MSPs in the Scottish National party are stepping down before the May 2026 elections, citing lack of support from the party, tolerance of bullying, and abuse in the chamber and online.

Almost four years on from the election of a record number of 58 female MSPs across all parties in 2021, 14 SNP women have so far said they will not stand again, accounting for 23% of the party’s current MSP group.