Dundee East MP Stewart Hosie to stand down at next election

Dundee East MP and former SNP deputy leader Stewart Hosie has confirmed he will stand down at the next general election.

Mr Hosie, 60, said he made the decision after a "great deal of thought" and said serving his constituency had been the "greatest privilege" of his life.

He has served as an MP for Dundee East since 2005 and is currently the SNP's treasury spokesperson.

Mr Hosie was the SNP's deputy leader to Nicola Sturgeon from 2014 to 2016.

He was appointed to the treasury position, which he previously held from 2015 to 2017, in December by new SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn.

Mr Hosie said: "I will, of course, remain an active member of the SNP and find other ways in which I can help further the cause of Scottish independence."

Earlier this month Ian Blackford, the SNP's former Westminster leader, said that he would stand down as MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber at the next general election.

SNP MP Peter Grant, who represents Glenrothes and Central Fife, also announced last week that he would not seek re-election.

Lanark and Hamilton East MP Angela Crawley confirmed on Friday that she planned to stand down.

And on Tuesday former SNP national treasurer Douglas Chapman announced he had reached a similar decision after discussions with his "family and close political friends".