David Hamilton MP announces he’s stepping down in May

David Hamilton MP for Midlothian has announced he’s stepping down in May.

Hamilton, who was born in his constituency, and has been the MP there for 14 years is a former miner. He has spent his career campaigning to help ex-miners  get compensation for medical conditions caused by to their line of work.

Prior to becoming an MP, Hamilton was also a councillor in Midlothian for six years. He currently serves as the Scottish Labour Whip in the House of Commons.

He announced his retirement in a letter to local Scottish Labour Party members, he said his decision was made with “a great deal of pride, tinged with some considerable sadness.” He also explained his reasoning for stepping down, writing “Now, given that I will be 70 by the end of the next parliament, I owe it to my wife, my children and my grandchildren, who have always supported me, to give them the time that they deserve.”

Jim Murphy, leader of Scottish Labour, praised Hamilton for all of his hard work:

“Davie Hamilton is a gentle giant of the Labour movement.

“He is a former miner and the current Labour whip for Scotland who goes about his politics with a real integrity.

“As a whip he has not been able to speak in Parliament yet his campaigning for justice for miners has given a voice to the injustice of blacklisting.

“He has served Midlothian brilliantly for the past 14 years. I’d like to wish Davie, Jean and their family all the very best. Midlothian’s next MP has huge shoes to fill.”