SNP veteran Fergus Ewing to run as an independent

SNP backbencher Fergus Ewing has confirmed that he will run as an independent at next year’s election.

Ewing, who has represented Inverness and Nairn since 1999, said in March that he would not stand for the SNP.

The former minister, who has been critical of the government over its approach to North Sea oil and gas and the speed of road dualling projects, has now confirmed he will stand as an independent.

He said: “This has not been an easy decision.

“I have taken it because I love the people of Inverness and Nairn and the people of Scotland more than my party, which I have been in for more than half a century.”

He added: “I believe the SNP has lost its way and that devolution itself – presently - is letting Scotland's people down. It doesn't need to be this way.

“Holyrood is more fractious and tribal than ever before. Too much power rests unchecked in the hands of party leaders, free to choose candidates who will slavishly support them, rather than stand up for the people who sent them to Holyrood. Choosing the pliant over the talented.”

Ewing, the son of SNP icon Winnie Ewing, who died in 2023, previously served as rural affairs secretary but has been at odds with his party over a number of issues including the deposit return scheme, gender recognition reform and marine protected areas.

He defied party whips to vote against then Green minister Lorna Slater in a motion of no confidence in 2023 and was temporarily suspended from the SNP group at Holyrood.

SNP leader and First Minister John Swinney said: “It was with real sadness and deep regret that I heard of Fergus Ewing’s decision to leave the Scottish National Party.

“We have both served the SNP and the cause of independence for many years, and I commend him for all that he achieved while serving in the SNP government until 2021.”

Ewing has told reporters he has not quit the party.

However, the constitution of the SNP states: “A member may not contest or be a member of any organisation contesting elections in opposition to the party, or be a member of any organisation deemed to be a political party under the membership rules.”

Swinney continued: “Fergus had the option of standing at the forthcoming election for the SNP, given his status as an approved candidate. He chose not to accept that opportunity and I regret that he has ultimately decided instead to leave the party.”