Former PM’s ‘Toxic legacy’
THE retiring MP for Central Ayrshire has hit out at the “toxic legacy” left behind at Westminster by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Dr Philippa Whitford announced last week that she will not stand again at the next UK General Election – likely to be held some time in 2024.
The SNP politician has represented the constituency of Central Ayrshire since 2015, when she unseated Labour’s Brian Donohoe.
The constituency covers Troon, Prestwick and Irvine, as well as small parts of Kilwinning, and the rural villages of Annbank, Mossblown, Tarbolton, Loans, Dundonald and Symington.
And while she says it has been a pleasure to serve the area, Dr Whitford is now looking forward to spending more time with her family as she steps away from the role.
She added: “In particular, I look forward to spending more time with my husband, Hans, who is already retired and I want to thank him for the unconditional support he has given me since my election.
“I also want to thank all those who have worked as part of my MP team over the last eight years, particularly Heather and Isabel who have been with me from the very start.
“Their dedication and determination has helped me provide assistance and resolve issues for many individuals and businesses in my constituency.”
She admitted that the role has been a challenging one across her time in office – though she will certainly take away a number of positives from her time as a member of parliament.
Dr Whitford continued: “Working as an MP at Westminster has changed over the last eight years, especially after Boris Johnson became Prime Minister and aggression and contempt towards SNP MPs, and indeed Scotland, became the norm. While he has gone, his toxic legacy remains and only time will tell if this changes after the next election.
“While working away from home in such a negative atmosphere is challenging, there are many rewarding aspects to the job, particularly the satisfaction of helping individual constituents or working with the many fantastic local groups.”