Several former Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) are seeking to return to Holyrood, this time running as independent candidates. These individuals, having previously represented established political parties, are now attempting to secure seats without party affiliation.
Candidates Breaking from Party Lines
Fergus Ewing, who has been a member of the Scottish Parliament since its inception, is standing in the Inverness and Nairn constituency. The son of Winnie Ewing, he previously belonged to the SNP but quit the party after losing the whip following repeated rebellions against a power-sharing agreement with the Greens. Ewing is now campaigning on a promise to prioritize the constituency over party politics.
In the Edinburgh and Lothians East Region, Ash Regan and Jeremy Balfour are also running as independents. Regan, a former leadership contender for both the Alba party and the SNP, has introduced a mini manifesto titled Making Holyrood Work for Scotland. Her platform emphasizes identifying problems and solutions to deliver real-world improvements by joining the dots from evidence to action.
Jeremy Balfour, who resigned from the Conservative party last year, is focusing his campaign on upgrading key transport infrastructure and breaking down barriers for disabled people.
The Challenge of the Independent Path
Securing election as an independent is historically demanding, though not impossible. Dennis Canavan successfully represented Falkirk West for 2 sessions of the Scottish Parliament after failing to be chosen as a Holyrood candidate by the Labour party. Similarly, Dr Jean Turner won the Strathkelvin and Bearsden constituency seat in 2003 through a campaign to Save Stobhill hospital.
Yet, independent bids do not always succeed. In 2021, Andy Wightman, who had left the Scottish Greens, failed to be elected as an independent on the Highlands and Islands list.
The Electoral Landscape
In the Inverness and Nairn constituency, Fergus Ewing faces a crowded field. Other candidates include Neil Alexander (Lib Dem), Fred Campbell (Reform), Shaun Fraser (Labour), Emma Roddick (SNP), Steve Skerett (Advance UK), and Ruraidh Stewart (Conservative).
The contest in the Edinburgh and Lothians East Region is even more fragmented. Ash Regan and Jeremy Balfour are among several independents, including Bob Bonnie Prince and Morgwn Carter Davies. They are competing against a wide array of parties, including the SNP, Scottish Labour, Scottish Conservatives, Scottish Greens, Scottish Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, and Advance UK, among others.
Because of the high number of candidates and the lack of party infrastructure, these independent runs could face significant hurdles. Whether voters prioritize individual records over party platforms may determine if these former MSPs can return to parliament.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which former MSPs are running as independents?
Fergus Ewing, Ash Regan, and Jeremy Balfour are among the former MSPs standing as independents.
What is Ash Regan’s campaign platform?
Her mini manifesto, Making Holyrood Work for Scotland, focuses on identifying problems and solutions and using evidence to deliver real-world improvements.
Have independent candidates won Scottish Parliament seats in the past?
Yes. Examples include Dennis Canavan in Falkirk West, Margo Macdonald in the Lothians region, and Dr Jean Turner in Strathkelvin and Bearsden.
Do you believe independent candidates can be more effective than those tied to a party platform?
