20-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald Scotland
Fergus Ewing's Break with the SNP Explained:
SNP family legacy
Fergus Ewing, the long-serving SNP MSP for Inverness and Nairn, has confirmed he will stand as an independent candidate in the 2026 Holyrood election.
Mr Ewing's ties to the Scottish National Party run deep — he was, as he has said before, 'literally born into the SNP'.
His mother, the late Winnie Ewing, is a party legend, famously winning the 1967 Hamilton by-election — a breakthrough moment for the SNP — and reconvening the Scottish Parliament in 1999 as its eldest member.
Politics is a family affair for Mr Ewing. His sister, Annabelle Ewing, is also an SNP MSP, while his late wife, Margaret Ewing, served as an MP and MSP for the party between the 1970s and early 2000s.
Winnie Ewing with Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon (Image: PA)
Long-serving MSP and minister
Mr Ewing has represented the Highlands in Holyrood since the first elections in 1999 — initially for Inverness East, Nairn and Lochaber, and, since 2011, for its successor seat, Inverness and Nairn.
He spent 14 years in government, serving under both Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon, with portfolios ranging from community safety and tourism to energy and rural affairs. His final ministerial post was Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy.
Despite his loyal service, Mr Ewing has long had an independent streak — something he says voters appreciate. 'Frankly, if they wanted a doormat, they'd have gone to B&Q.'
Fergus Ewing in Holyrood's ministerial lift.
Clashes, controversy and confidence votes
In recent years, Mr Ewing's willingness to speak out has led to open conflict with SNP leadership. He was a vocal critic of the Bute House Agreement with the Scottish Greens, calling it a 'strategic blunder'.
He also opposed several high-profile policies, including:
The Deposit Return Scheme
A proposed ban on new gas boilers
Plans to designate 10% of Scotland's seas as Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs)
He famously ripped up an HPMA consultation document in parliament, calling it a 'notice of execution' for the fishing industry.
Fergus Ewing ripping up the HPMA consultation (Image: NQ) In 2022, he voted against gender recognition reforms, defying the party whip.
The breaking point came in 2023, when he supported a no-confidence motion against Green minister Lorna Slater, resulting in a one-week suspension from the SNP group.
Mr Ewing remained unapologetic: 'The SNP I joined would never have asked me… to choose between loyalty to party and loyalty to constituents.' He criticised what he called a culture of 'sourness and hostility' in the party and accused the leadership of preferring 'obedient and pliant' candidates.
The road to standing as an independent
In March 2025, Mr Ewing announced he would not seek re-selection as an SNP candidate, citing the party's broken promises on dualling the A9 and A96.
'I cannot, with honour, stand up in front of my constituents and say I am standing as an SNP candidate,' he said.
He accused the SNP of deserting key voter groups, including farmers, fishermen and North Sea oil workers.
On June 20, Mr Ewing confirmed he would run as an independent in the 2026 election. 'This has not been an easy decision,' he said, 'but I love the people of Inverness and Nairn more than my party.' He called for Holyrood to move beyond partisan bickering and return to 'its best'.
A High-Profile Showdown
Mr Ewing will now face off against his own party. The SNP has selected Highlands and Islands list MSP Emma Roddick to contest the seat.
First Minister John Swinney expressed 'deep regret' over Mr Ewing's decision, saying he had the option to stand again.
While Mr Ewing insists he has not formally quit the SNP, party sources say standing as an independent constitutes a public resignation — a breach of Article 4.4 of the party's constitution, which states that membership ceases upon death, resignation, or failure to pay dues.
In 2021, Mr Ewing won 47.7% of the vote in Inverness and Nairn, securing a 9,114-vote majority over Conservative candidate Sir Edward Mountain.
Emma Roddick outside Parliament
Regardless of what happens next May, Mr Ewing looks set to remain a thorn in the side of the SNP.
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