Departure highlights the demanding nature of public office amidst crucial policy initiatives in technology and education.
Ben Macpherson, the Scottish Government’s Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, has tendered his resignation, effective 24 August 2026. The Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith cited a need to prioritise his physical and mental well-being, alongside a desire to dedicate more time to his constituency and other political interests outside of ministerial duties.
In his letter of resignation to First Minister John Swinney, Macpherson stated: “I have, however, 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.” He further elaborated on his intentions, adding: “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.”
Macpherson also expressed his admiration for the First Minister, stating: “As you know, I admire and respect you very much – personally and as First Minister. I also appreciate and acknowledge the sacrifices you make to serve as First Minister.”
First Minister John Swinney accepted the resignation, acknowledging the personal nature of Macpherson’s decision. Swinney commended Macpherson’s tenure, noting he had made a “significant contribution in government”. Addressing Macpherson’s dedication to his constituents, Swinney added: “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.”
Macpherson’s departure comes at a critical juncture for Scotland’s innovation and education agenda. As Minister for Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education, a role he took up in May 2026 under John Swinney’s government, his responsibilities encompassed vital areas such as tertiary education, apprenticeships, career pathways, lifelong learning, qualifications, artificial intelligence policy, STEM education, and university research. During his recent tenure, Macpherson played a key role in the co-design and co-delivery of reforms within Scotland’s college and university sectors, overseeing the passage of the Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Act 2026.
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A qualified solicitor, Ben Macpherson was first elected as an MSP for Edinburgh Northern and Leith in 2016, and subsequently re-elected for the new Edinburgh North Eastern and Leith constituency in May 2026. He boasts extensive experience across various junior ministerial portfolios, having served under former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon in roles including Minister for Europe, Migration and International Development; Minister for Public Finance and Migration; Minister for Rural Affairs and the Natural Environment; and Minister for Social Security and Local Government. He notably declined a ministerial post in Humza Yousaf’s government in 2023, returning to the frontbenches in September 2025 following John Swinney’s ascension to First Minister.
This resignation marks another instance where the pressures of ministerial office have led to a Scottish Government official stepping down for health-related reasons. In February 2024, Elena Whitham resigned as Drugs and Alcohol Minister, citing post-traumatic stress. Similarly, in December 2020, Joe FitzPatrick stepped down as Public Health Minister amidst intense scrutiny over rising drug-related deaths. These precedents underscore the demanding nature of public service at the highest levels of devolved government.
First Minister John Swinney will now need to appoint a successor to the Innovation, Technology and Tertiary Education portfolio. The process for appointing Scottish Ministers involves the First Minister selecting individuals from among serving MSPs, with their appointment then requiring the agreement of the Scottish Parliament and formal approval by His Majesty the King.
