TRANSPORT Minister Graeme Dey has resigned from the Scottish Government due to health reasons, it has been announced.

The former minister for parliamentary business and veterans from 2018 was appointed transport minister by Nicola Sturgeon following the May 2021 Holyrood elections.

The First Minister said Dey had been a formidable force in government and would be welcomed back if he wished in future.

Writing to the FM, Dey said: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as a Minister in the Scottish Government, firstly as Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans and latterly, as Minister for Transport.

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“I have always prided myself on being able to give 100% to any task I am charged with.

“Regrettably, despite my continuing passion, I find myself unable now to give this hugely important ministerial role everything it rightly requires and deserves.

“It is therefore with regret that I am writing to resign from office as Minister for Transport in the Scottish Government.”

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “This is the right decision for Graeme to reach at this time, and he leaves government with my very best wishes.

“He has been a highly effective minister and steps down with many achievements to his name. As minister for parliamentary business, he built trust and confidence across the political spectrum to navigate a period of minority government, and ensure that government remained accountable to parliament throughout the period of lockdown earlier in the pandemic.

The National:

Dey has resigned from his role as Transport Minister, the Scottish Government confirmed

“As Transport Minister, Graeme played a huge part in ensuring the success of COP26.

“He has also delivered concessionary bus travel for under-22s, set out plans to reduce car travel to meet climate targets, and prepared the ground for the return of Scotland’s railway to public ownership.”

The FM added: “Amongst his many responsibilities, I know that Graeme particularly valued his time as Minister for Veterans.

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“In that role, he secured additional funding for veteran services and I have no doubt that the veteran community will continue to benefit from his support as a backbench MSP.

“Circumstances permitting, the door will always be open should Graeme wish a return to government in future. In the meantime, I wish him well and know that he will continue to serve his Angus constituents with drive and commitment.”

Other Scottish politicians and the public paid tribute to Dey following the announcement. 

Justice Secretary Keith Brown said: "Get well soon Graeme, you have taken on some of the toughest roles in Government and shown great resilience.

The National:

Tributes have poured in for Dey after the announcement on Monday morning

"Hope you can use that now to look after your health. Hope to see you back in Government soon."

Housing and Social Justice Secretary Shona Robison added: "Sorry to hear this news Graeme."

Tom Arthur, Minister for Public Finance, said: "Very sorry to hear, Graeme. Sending you all my best wishes."

While Fiona Hyslop said: "Graeme most important thing is your health and family - take care - you were an effective Government Minister and I hope you can return to Government at some point."

Scottish Greens co-leader Lorna Slater said: "I'm really sorry to hear this, we'll miss you 
@GraemeDeyMSP but it is right to look after your health and well-being first. All the best and good health."

Dey will remain in his post as MSP and instead serve on the backbenches in Holyrood. His successor is still to be announced.