Mhairi Black: This is why the youngest SNP MP is stepping down

Scottish National Party’s (SNP) MP Mhairi Black has just announced that she will be quitting the life of an elected politician at the next general election citing a ‘truly unhealthy working environment’ in Westminster.

Black started her career in politics at the age of 20, having become the parliament's youngest MP since 1832.

She said he was planning to continue representing her constituency and support Scotland’s independence but ‘as a campaigner rather than a candidate.’

While both former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and the current leader Humza Yousafexpressed their regret about Black’s departure, the Tory officials blame it on the SNP leadership failure.

Here is what we know about the real reason why Mhairi Black decided to give up her Westminster seat.

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Mhairi Black: Westminster environment is ‘outdated, sexist and toxic’

SNP’s Mhairi Black was elected as the Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP in 2015 when she was only 20 year old, having become the youngest person in the role since 1832.

But after nearly 8 years in politics, she announced to pull the plug on her Westminster career leaving an underwhelming review to her workplace.

The now-28-year-old MP explained her departure by an ‘outdated, sexist and toxic’ working environment in Westminster, citing safety concerns, social media abuse, unsociable hours and her desire to spend more time with her loved ones.

She said:

I have dedicated a third of my life so far to Westminster - a truly unhealthy working environment.

Since 2015, the lives of my loved ones have been turned upside down and inside out.

Between media attention, social media abuse, threats, constant travel, and the murders of two MPs, my loved ones have been in a constant state of anxiety for my health and safety.

She also added that it was ‘beyond demoralising’ to see her constituents ‘harmed by a UK government they never voted for’.

Back in 2018, Mhairi Black made headlines after detailing some of the abuse and graphic misogynistic insults she had been sent during her time as an MP.

It is known that she married her partner Katie in June 2022.

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What will Mhairi Black’s departure mean for the SNP?

Black is the sixth SNP MP to announce they will not contest the next election, which is expected to be held in 2024.

The current FM Humza Yousaf described her as a ‘trailblazer’ and a ‘passionate supporter of independence, equality and social justice'.

He added:

She has also served as a role model for young people, especially women, with an interest or a desire to get involved in politics.

Former FM Nicola Sturgeon who quit earlier this yearalso citing her desire to spend more time with her family called Black’s decision a ‘loss of a unique talent’.

She added on Twitter:

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

Although Mhairi Black leaves her Westminster seat, she’s unlikely to leave the public eye as she promised to continue to represent her constituency and causes.

She said:

I will of course continue to represent my constituency to the best of my abilities, and I look forward to continuing to campaign for an independent Scotland and for the SNP at the general election, but I will do so as a campaigner rather than a candidate.

Mhairi Black is known for her straight-talking style and infectious energy, and her departure from Westminster is widely seen as a big loss for the SNP's representation in London.

While the Tory officials attribute it to the failure in leadership in Scotland, others believe it has to do with the SNP's lack of desire to be in Westminster, and the UK altogether.

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Sources used:

- BBC News: 'Mhairi Black to step down as SNP MP at next election'