Chief executive of Strathclyde Partnership for Transport Valerie Davidson has announced her retirement from the organisation.

The announcement was made at today’s Partnership, Mrs Davidson advised the Committee that she has decided, after much deliberation, to retire from SPT with effect with 31 August 2026 and requested the Committee to establish a Recruitment Committee to fill her post.

Mrs Davidson said:

“This has not been an easy decision but I will have completed 39 years public service on that date, and I will have been SPT’s chief executive for five years by that time.

“I believe it is the right time now to go and give someone else the opportunity to lead the organisation. SPT is in a very good place currently with clear plans to move forward and lead the development of a major transport network for the city and beyond.

“The organisation is ready to make a significant contribution as the new Parliament gears up following May’s election. While I will still be fully engaged with all things SPT until the end of August, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone – a wide and varied cast – who have supported me over these many years.”

SPT Chair Councillor Stephen Dornan said:

“On behalf of the SPT Partnership and all of SPT, I would like thank Valerie for her many years of service to the organisation and to the wider transport network. She had dedicated herself to public service and has always tried to consider passengers first and foremost when making decisions.

“She will be a loss to the organisation, but we now look forward to the future with many projects already in development and planning. The role of SPT chief executive will be hugely important as we develop plans for bus reform and work with partners on the Case for Investment for Clyde Metro.”