Fife MSP Marwick To Stand Down

Fife MSP and Holyrood's Presiding Officer Tricia Marwick has announced she's standing down next year.

Mrs Marwick was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2013, she says that made her realise she "isn't invincible".

The 61 year old is the first woman to hold the position of Presiding Officer in the Scottish Parliament.

The Independent member says she now wants to spend more time with her family.

Ms Marwick has been an MSP since 1999, initially becoming an SNP list member for Mid Scotland and Fife, before winning Central Fife in 2005, which she retained after the constiuency changed to Glenrothes and Mid Fife in 2011 following a boundary change.

'Sacrifices'

She has been active in politics since the mid-80s and for some of that time held down a full time job, and looked after her children while still campaigning. 

Mrs Marwick said: "It is possible that the next parliamentary session will last for 5 years and, if so, I will be 67 when that session ends. I have been an MSP since 1999 and I am convinced this is the right time for me to leave the Parliament and frontline politics.

“When I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2013 it made me realise I wasn't invincible. The sad loss this session of 4 MSPs from the 1999 intake has affected me deeply. My health is good and all my tests show that I remain clear of cancer. However, my family have had to make many sacrifices over the years and I want to ensure that I can spend more time with them, particularly my two grandchildren.

'Inspiration'

“As for the future, I don't intend to retire completely and hope I can continue to make some contribution to public life in Scotland.

“It is been the greatest privilege to represent the constituency I live in and where I have brought up my family. I want to thank my constituents and friends for their unstinting support over the years. I am proud of what we have achieved together and that I have been able to help many thousands of people. They can be assured that I will continue to represent them and their interests for the next 11 months.

“It is an honour to be the Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament. I never thought that when I became an MSP I would end up achieving that office. As the first woman Presiding Officer I hope that I have provided some inspiration to other women to follow in my footsteps.

“To be the Presiding Officer during the Referendum campaign was exciting and challenging and I have never been prouder as the people of Scotland turned out in their millions to have their say on our constitutional future.