SNP minister resigns from Scottish Government

Ben Macpherson (Lesley Martin/PA)

An SNP minister has resigned from the Scottish Government.

Ben Macpherson has quit as Minister for Innovation, Technology & Tertiary Education.

His resignation was accepted by First Minister John Swinney.

Mr Macpherson said: “I have reflected very deeply in recent months about my position and priorities in my life, and feel I need more time to be able to attend to other important pressures, people and purposes, including my mental and physical well-being.

“Without the constraints and demands of a Ministerial role, I also want to have more time and scope to serve my constituency of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith, and to pursue various political passions outwith government.

“Therefore, I have come to the very difficult decision that holding Ministerial office is not right for me at this time, and I wish to pass it on. I will do all that I can to support a handover to my successor.”

Mr Macpherson, 42, was first elected as MSP in 2016.

He served in various junior ministerial roles between 2018 and 2023, but turned down a job in Humza Yousaf’s government.

Mr Macpherson had reportedly mulled a leadership bid after Nicola Sturgeon resigned, and wanted a cabinet position but turned down a junior gig.

He returned as a junior education minister in September 2025.

Responding to Mr Macpherson’s letter, the First Minister praised his work in the post and his previous junior minister jobs, adding: “I know the diligence in which you serve the people of Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith as an SNP MSP, and I look forward to you continuing to do so in the SNP parliamentary group.

“I hope that the time away from government you are now taking can lead you a stronger, more resilient place. You have my very best wishes in doing so.”

The Scottish Government is still to announce his replacement.