IMO the loss of Jeane Freeman (age a big factor in her decision to retire) is a big one - needs to be replaced by an experienced politician. I think there is a lotta wasted talent down in Westminster and the vastly experienced Phillipa Whitford should be asked to run for Holyrood and become the next Health Secretary. The SNP will also lose Alex Neil, Linda Fabiani, Bruce Crawford, Gil Paterson, Roseanna Cunningham, Stewart Stevenson, Aileen Campbell, Michael Russell, Gail Ross and Richard Lyle. Most of them are leaving due to age or family reasons. Remember that such weekly commitment/dedication to the task must be fairly demanding and to the detriment of other family needs until the time finally arrives to "call it a day" - a case of "we're getting on a bit". It is good to see a healthy scepticism among supporters/voters when politicians announce such intentions to stand down for such reasons - but no intrigue, no sleight of hand! Most of them are, on average, already of pensionable age and will be well into their 70s by the end of the next Scot Parliament. It opens the way for younger talent to "take up the mantle" of SNP aspirations for the future - a very different, younger Scot Parliament come May 2021 can be one of aspiration, ambition and serious purpose as the SNP heads into another election cycle led by the UK's most successful, tried and tested political leader. Sturgeon has led party and govt for six years. Contrast that with Johnson's shambles for little over a year, Starmer's failng to "set the heather on fire" and does anyone even wanna know about the Libdems' leadership any more????
Politicians shouldn't go on and on. But politics does. And, if we value democracy, that's a good thing.
Politicians shouldn't go on and on. But politics does. And, if we value democracy, that's a good thing.