Mr Gray, the former leader of the party in Scotland, has represented the constituency since 2007.

Prior to that he represented Edinburgh Pentlands from 1999 to 2003.

Now the 63-year-old has told local party members he will not stand in next year’s elections to the Scottish Parliament.

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In an email to members, Mr Gray announced his decision to retire from parliament and thanked them for their support over the last 13 years, during which time he was twice re-elected to Holyrood as the county’s MSP.

Speaking about his decision to stand down, Mr Gray said: “Serving the East Lothian constituency since 2007 has been one of the greatest honours of my life and I’ve enjoyed every moment of representing our unique and very special area at Holyrood.

“I often say that East Lothian is the best constituency in Scotland, and the best place in Scotland to live, and I mean it.

“I had the privilege of being part of the first Scottish Parliament intake in 1999, before East Lothian gave me the opportunity to return to Holyrood in 2007 and then serve as my party’s leader, and I will always be grateful for that.

“The decision to stand down is not an easy one, and was made even harder by the incredibly difficult circumstances we have all faced over the last three months.

“However, I will be 64 next year, almost 69 by the end of the next parliament, and after more than 20 years at the frontline of Scottish politics next year is the right time for me to step aside and hand over to someone else to represent East Lothian’s interests.

“I really, genuinely do want to spend more time with my family - especially my wife Gil, who has supported me unstintingly through all the ups and downs of political life, and the seven fantastic grandchildren with whom I am now blessed.

“I want to say a huge thank-you to all of the constituents who’ve shown me such support and kindness over the last 13 years, and the many local organisations, charities and businesses that have welcomed me during that time.

“Special thanks are due to all of my constituency office staff over the years, the best in the business, who do the hard work while I take the credit.

“I will, of course, continue to serve as the county’s MSP for the rest of my term and intend to do so to the best of my ability until the election in May next year.”

Colin Yorkston, chair of East Lothian Labour Party, described Mr Gray’s as “absolutely outstanding” in his role representing East Lothian.

“Whether it was fighting to save Haddington’s courts, campaigning for our new community hospital to be built or opposing cuts to East Lothian Council’s funding, he has always defended the area’s interests and fought for it to get its fair share from government,” he said.

“Local party members will be sad to see him stand down and he will certainly be a very hard act to follow at Holyrood.”

East Lothian Labour Party will start the process of choosing someone to succeed Mr Gray as its local candidate over the coming weeks.

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East Lothian MSP Iain Gray stepping down to spend more time with family

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