Christine Jardine announces she will stand down as MP at next election

Edinburgh MP Christine Jardine has announced she will step down at the next general election.

In a post on social media the Liberal Democrat said she has had a “fantastic decade” as MP for Edinburgh West, and that she is “sad” she will not be there when the party becomes “even more successful”.

The former journalist first won the Edinburgh West constituency in 2017, and held it in 2024 with a majority of 16,470 ahead of the SNP.

Her statement read: “I’ve taken the decision not to stand as Lib Dem candidate in Edinburgh West at the next GE (general election).

“It has been a fantastic decade. I want to thank @EdwardJDavey for all his support over the years.

“I’m confident our next chapter will be even more successful and I’m sad I won’t be there.”

It is understood Ms Jardine was not reselected by her local party and she has decided not to request a ballot of the membership.

In an interview published in the Edinburgh Reporter newspaper on Saturday, the 65-year-old said: “I have written to my local party to let them know I shall not be standing as the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh West at the next election, following the recent decision by some of the local party.

“I have informed them that although I am able to request a ballot of the membership, it is with a heavy heart I have decided not to pursue this.

“I do not wish to expose anyone to more tension and division.”

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey described Ms Jardine as “a fantastic champion for Liberalism, Scotland and the people of Edinburgh.”

He continued “For me, her work on the Domestic Abuse Act stands out. She’s improved things for survivors and children in ways many will never know.

“I know there’s a lot more to come in this parliament too.”

Scottish Liberal Democrat leader Alex Cole-Hamilton said: “I would like to thank Christine for all her hard work as an MP.

“She has been excellent to work alongside, representing the west of Edinburgh together for the past nine years.

“Her work on childhood bereavement, in supporting Ukrainian refugees and in supporting our constituents in the capital means she will have a long legacy too.”