Fergusson says farewell to his Presiding Officer role

HOLYROOD Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson will stand down after next year's parliamentary election to spend more time with his family.

He said he would, however, seek re-election as an MSP for the new Galloway and West Dumfriesshire seat.

Mr Fergusson will stand as a Tory having had to suspend his party membership when he took on his formal role at Holyrood after the 2007 election.

He said: "It is not my intention to put my name forward for the post of Presiding Officer if re-elected in 2011.

"I have immensely enjoyed the privilege I have had over the last three years as the Parliament's Presiding Officer.

"However, balancing the roles of constituency member and Presiding Officer can leave little time for family life. I look forward to being able to spend more time with my wife and family while focusing solely on constituency issues if I am fortunate enough to be re-elected."

He is the third Presiding Officer, following former Liberal leader Lord Steel, the inaugural post-holder in 1999, and the SNP's George Reid in the last parliament.