Labour MSP to step down from Holyrood at the end of the week

Labour MSP John Park today announced that he will step down as a Member of the Scottish Parliament to take up a senior post in the trade union movement – as policy and strategy director of Community. He will leave Holyrood on December 7th.

As a list MSP, his place will be automatically filled by the next Labour candidate on the Mid Scotland and Fife list, Jayne Baxter.

Announcing his decision, Park said:

“Representing the people of Mid Scotland and Fife has been an enormous privilege and I am really grateful to have had that opportunity. I want to thank everyone who voted for me and Labour Party members for the support they have given me. This is a decision that I have not made lightly and I now have the opportunity to represent thousands of workers across the UK. I’ve tried to use my time in politics to make sure the issues important to working people – jobs, apprenticeships and a living wage – are centre stage. Now, as workers are under attack like never before, I am returning to my union roots to fight at the coal face.”

“I wish Johann – who has been a good friend to me and all my friends in the Labour group – the very best for the referendum and upcoming elections. I am a strong Labour supporter who loves my country, so will be campaigning shoulder to shoulder with them in the months and years ahead.

“I would also like to thank Holyrood officials and my own staff who are undoubtedly the most dedicated group of people I have ever met. Their support and assistance has been invaluable.”