23% of SNP's female MSPs are stepping down

Several female members of the Scottish National Party (SNP) are stepping down from their roles as Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) due to what they describe as a “hostile environment for women.” With elections approaching in May 2026, 14 women have announced they will not seek re-election, which represents about 23% of the current female MSPs in the SNP. Many of these women have shared their experiences of feeling unsupported by the party. Issues like bullying, harassment, and abuse—both in the parliamentary chamber and online—have been highlighted. Michelle Thomson, an MSP, noted that the political world is often misogynistic and that the SNP has not effectively addressed inappropriate behaviors. Elena Whitham, another MSP, expressed concerns about a lack of support for women dealing with difficulties in politics, saying this has led to many talented women leaving. Some MSPs also pointed to a toxic environment in Holyrood, where female representatives often face intimidation from their male colleagues. The resignation announcements come amid worries about the upcoming election landscape, especially with predictions that other parties could gain ground. Some female MSPs fear that this could make the atmosphere even more competitive and challenging. Reports suggest there are internal party struggles, including a potential “hitlist” of female MSPs to be replaced by former MPs. As concerns about online abuse rise, a recent survey revealed that female MSPs experience severe threats and misogynistic attacks. While the SNP leader, John Swinney, continues to maintain a gender-balanced cabinet, some women feel frustrated by changes in policies that previously promoted equal representation. They argue that without addressing the underlying sexism in the party, women are being put in difficult and unsupported positions.