A thread about MSPs standing down. Most have been in Parliament since 1999. Many are close to or will be over normal retirement age by the time of next election. Decisions have to be made now to allow constituencies to select new candidates.

I don’t think people realise the workload of MSPS. The workload is far greater than that of an MP. Most MPs count themselves lucky to be on one committee at Westminster and make a speech now and again.

If you are a backbench MSP at Holyrood you can be on 2 or perhaps 3 Committees and will be expected to speak in debates frequently. If you are a Minister you will not be on a Committee but the workload is enormous.

In addition both have huge constituency workloads. It is not an option to just hang on in Holyrood and coast for 5 years. I stepped down at 63 because I had no more to give and wanted to make sure I had time with my grandchildren.