Graeme Dey has stepped down from his role as Scottish transport minister.
In response, Railway Industry Association Scotland issued a statement to thank him for his service to the sector.
Dey said this morning that he had left the role for health reasons. He 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.
“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.”
David Clarke, RIA Technical Director and RIA Scotland Lead, said: “The Railway Industry Association and our members would like to thank Minister Graeme Dey for his work as Transport Minister over the past year, particularly in recognising the importance of the rail supply sector in improving Scotland’s railway, and the launch of the recent Second Strategic Transport Projects Review.
“We look forward to continue to work with him as a MSP and wish him well for the future, and we look forward to engaging with the new Minister in due course.”
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.
“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.
“Amongst his many responsibilities, I know that Graeme particularly valued his time as minister for veterans. 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.”
