Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine to step down at next election amid party unrest

Christine Jardine confirmed she will not stand as the Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate for Edinburgh West in the upcoming General Election, after describing recent weeks as marked by tension and division within the local party. Having won the seat back from the SNP in 2017 with a 16,470-vote majority, she said she could request a ballot of members but opted against it to prevent additional strife. Jardine pledged to keep representing her constituents with the same dedication she has shown over nine years.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey highlighted her work on the Domestic Abuse Act and her broader impact for Scotland. The article notes speculation about a strained relationship with Alex Cole-Hamilton, the Scottish party leader, though no comment was obtained from him. A selection process will now begin to choose her successor.