Scottish innovation minister steps down

Scotland’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education Ben Macpherson has stepped down from his ministerial role. His exchange of letters with First Minister John Swinney cites reasons including his physical and mental health and desire to have more time to support his constituents.

Macpherson, who was reelected as MSP for Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith in May, returned to ministerial office in September 2025 as higher and further education minister. His time in role saw the passage of the Tertiary Education and Training Act and further pressures on university funding.

Following the Holyrood elections earlier this year, his portfolio was expanded to include named responsibility for innovation and technology within the Scottish government, including AI policy and scientific engagement.

Macpherson said that he had

“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.”

At time of writing his successor has not been announced. The Scottish government has said that changes to the ministerial team will be announced “in due course.”