Why is Westminster losing one of its youngest ever MPs, Mhairi Black?

The complaints of the SNP politician chime with other disillusioned MPs, particularly women, says Sean O’Grady

Mhairi Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, says Westminster is ‘poisonous’ (PA)

SNP deputy Westminster leader Mhairi Black has said she will step down at the next general election, citing the “toxic” environment at Westminster. Her departure is a surprise; she is still only 28, having been the youngest MP in over 300 years when she first entered the House of Commons in 2015 at the age of 20 years and 237 days.

Why is Mhairi Black standing down?

She’s fed up with “poisonous” Westminster, telling Emily Maitlis on the podcast The News Agents: “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.”