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Ian Blackford has ruled out running for Holyrood next year. ‌

The former SNP Westminster leader had been encouraged to stand in place of Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes. ‌

Forbes announced last week she would be standing down as MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch. ‌

Blackford represented the overlapping Ross, Skye and Lochaber seat in the Commons between 2015 and 2024.

But the 64-year-old said he would not be standing in 2026 despite giving it "careful consideration".

He said: ”With Kate Forbes having announced she would not be contesting the seat of Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch at the Scottish Parliament in 2026, I have received many promptings to potentially represent the SNP in the election next year. Article continues below READ MORE: Scotland's populat

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