SNP MP Mhairi Black to step down at next General Election | The Sun

SNP MP Mhairi Black has announced she will step down at the next General Election.

Speaking to podcast host Emily Maitlis, Mhairi told The News Agents that Westminster is "a toxic environment".

She added: "Honestly, because I'm tired, is a big part of it. And the thing that makes me tired is Westminster.

"I think it is one of the most unhealthy workplaces that you could ever be in. It's a toxic environment. Just the entire design of the place and how it functions is just the opposite of everything that I find comfortable.

"It's definitely a poisonous place. Whether that's because of what folk can get away with in it or the number of personal motivations and folk having ulterior motives for things, and it's just not a nice place to be in."

Ms Black said spending a third of her life in Westminster gives her "the ick".

"Given the unsociable hours that Westminster works as well, it feels like you're spending a lot of your life there.

"And in the run-up to the next election, I've realised, that will be almost 10 years that I'll have been elected. So, a third of my life I've spent in Westminster, which gives me the ick."

Reacting to the news on Twitter, former SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon wrote: "Both gutted by and entirely understanding of this. Her reasons resonate. But what a loss of a unique talent, not just to the SNP but to politics generally.

"I only hope it’s temporary. The world needs more Mhairi Blacks in politics, not fewer."

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First Minister Humza Yousaf added: "A trailblazer, elected at 20. Mhairi Black has inspired a generation.

"A passionate supporter of independence who is deeply committed to advancing social justice.

"Look forward to working closely with Mhairi who will undoubtedly continue to make an immense contribution to our cause."

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