Natalie Don-Innes
Natalie Don-Innes | |
|---|---|
Official portrait, 2021 | |
| Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise[a] | |
| In office 29 March 2023 – 20 May 2026 | |
| First Minister | Humza Yousaf John Swinney |
| Preceded by | Clare Haughey |
| Succeeded by | Siobhian Brown |
| Member of the Scottish Parliament for Renfrewshire North and West | |
| In office 6 May 2021 – 9 April 2026 | |
| Preceded by | Derek Mackay |
| Succeeded by | Constituency Abolished |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 12 February 1989 |
| Party | Scottish National Party |
| Website | https://nataliedon.scot |
Natalie Don-Innes (born 12 February 1989) is a Scottish National Party (SNP) politician who served as the Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for Renfrewshire North and West from 2021 to 2026.[1][2]
She served as the Minister for Children, Young People and the Promise from 2023 until 2026.[a][3]
Early life
Don-Innes is from Renfrewshire and was raised in a council house by a single mother, following the death of her father when she was young.[4] She holds a university degree in history from the University of Glasgow.[5]
Political career
Don-Innes continued to serve as a local councillor for the Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank ward after having been elected in the 2017 Renfrewshire Council election.[6]
She was selected as the SNP's candidate for the Renfrewshire North and West constituency in November 2020 for the 2021 Scottish Parliament election, following a tight second vote by party members after the first vote had resulted in a tie with fellow Renfrewshire councillor Michelle Campbell.[7][8] Don-Innes was subsequently elected as MSP for the constituency with a 46.3% vote share and majority of 7,307 (19.1%) votes.[9] She stood down as a councillor at the 2022 local council elections in Scotland. In 2023, she was appointed to the Yousaf government as Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise.[10]
On 13 March 2024, she announced that she would not seek re-election, stating it was the right decision for her family. She left office on 9 April 2026 at the dissolution of the Scottish Parliament ahead of the 2026 election.[11]
Personal life
Don-Innes lives in the Renfrewshire village of Bridge of Weir[4] and has two children.[5] She is a fan of video games.[12]
References
- ^ "Renfrewshire North & West - Scottish Parliament constituency". BBC News. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Don, Natalie, (born 12 Feb. 1989), Member (SNP) Renfrewshire North and West, Scottish Parliament, since 2021; Minister for Children, Young People and Keeping the Promise, since 2023". WHO'S WHO & WHO WAS WHO. 2023. doi:10.1093/ww/9780199540884.013.u295968. ISBN 978-0-19-954088-4. Retrieved 3 January 2024.
- ^ "Full ministerial team confirmed". www.gov.scot. Retrieved 1 April 2023.
- ^ a b Derek Mackay staffer Natalie Don bids for his Holyrood seat, The National, 11 August 2020
- ^ a b Gilmour, Ruaraidh (29 March 2023). "Natalie Don MSP: Getting To Know You". Holyrood.
- ^ Ward 11- Bishopton, Bridge of Weir and Langbank, Renfrewshire Council
- ^ SNP candidacy battle for Scottish election goes on as initial ballot results in historic tie, Stephanie Brawn, Daily Record, 10 November 2020
- ^ Michelle Campbell defeated by Natalie Don in key SNP Holyrood selection contest, Today News Post, 23 November 2020.
- ^ 2021 - Scottish Parliamentary Election - Results, Renfrewshire Council
- ^ Paton, Craig (29 March 2023). "Yousaf says SNP is 'united' as he appoints supporters to his first Cabinet". Evening Standard. Retrieved 30 March 2023.
- ^ "Renfrewshire MSP to stand down at 2026 Scottish Parliament election". Glasgow Times. 13 March 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2025.
- ^ Brawn, Steph (19 December 2022). "The MSP on a mission to better support Scotland's thriving games sector". The National.
External links
- Scottish Parliament profiles of MSPs: Natalie Don-Innes