Andrew Mackinlay explains why he’s standing down

From @LabourList

YourThurrock.Com has an exlclusive interview with Andrew MacKinlay, the popular Thurrock MP who announced he is standing down because he is “pysically and mentally burned out.“

In an accompanying note for the video below, YourThurrock said Mr MacKinlay has been a “bulldog for democracy“.

But, they said:

“Andrew took on too much. That was the heart of the man. A few months ago, he sped from the House of Commons to be part of a schools debate in Chafford Hundred. He then popped in to the Thameside Theatre to see the Thurrock Courts Players perform. I could see Andrew struggle to stay awake.

This was the first week of the expenses scandal. Afterwards in the bar, I could see the pain etched in Andrew’s face. He had nothing to hide but it was the shaming of parliament that had upset Andrew because let us not forget that he is a very sensitive man but also totally totally believes in the dignity/sanctity of democracy.

There is no doubt that Andrew was a 24/7, 365 MP. If you are of the persuasion to criticise MP’s over their 77 day christmas holidays then we can tell you that Andrew was working for his constituents every day during that recess. As we have said, in many ways that has been the problem and why he has simply burnt out.”