Christine Jardine MP to stand down at next election amid 'tension and division' in local party

The announcement by the MP for Edinburgh West comes amid speculation of a deteriorating relationship between Ms Jardine and Alex Cole-Hamilton, leader of the party in Scotland.

Ms Jardine, who won the seat back from the SNP in 2017 and has a majority of 16,470, said that it had been a “challenging few weeks and a difficult decision”, but one that was best for the party.

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There will now be a selection process to find her successor.

Ms Jardine said: “I have written to my local party to let them know I shall not be standing as the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh West at the next election, following the recent decision by some of the local party.

“I have informed them that although I am able to request a ballot of the membership, it is with a heavy heart I have decided not to pursue this. I do not wish to expose anyone to more tension and division.

“I shall continue to represent my constituents with the care I have always sought to bring over the last nine years.

“It has been, and remains, an honour and a privilege to represent this part of the city, and to work with our fantastic communities.”

Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: “Christine is a fantastic champion for Liberalism, Scotland and the people of Edinburgh.

“For me, her work on the Domestic Abuse Act stands out. She has improved things for survivors and children in ways many will never know. I know there’s a lot more to come in this parliament too.”

Mr Cole-Hamilton MSP said: “I would like to thank Christine for all her hard work as an MP.

“She has been excellent to work alongside, representing the west of Edinburgh together for the past nine years.

“Her work on childhood bereavement, in supporting Ukrainian refugees and in supporting our constituents in the capital means she will have a long legacy too.”