Ian McKee reveals plan to quit Holyrood

Published on Saturday 29 May 2010 11:21

LOTHIANS SNP MSP Ian McKee is to quit the Scottish Parliament at next year's elections.

The former Wester Hailes GP said he had decided not to stand for re-election and would bow out of Holyrood next May so he could enjoy retirement.

He said: "I'm really enjoying the work and if I were younger I would like nothing better than to have another go. But there are other things I want to do with my life before I end up in an eventide home."

Dr McKee, 70, has been a Lothians list MSP since 2007 and has campaigned on a wide range of issues, from fighting the proposed closure of Calder and Oxgangs post offices to calling for more investment in the treatment of alcohol problems.

Most recently, he led the campaign against a lucrative bonus scheme for consultants which paid "distinction awards" of up to 76,000 to about 500 of the best-paid people in the NHS.

Dr McKee persuaded health secretary Nicola Sturgeon to freeze the awards – which cost taxpayers 28 million a year – in Scotland.

He said he would miss the parliament but believed he was making the right move. He said: "I've decided to go while I'm still really enjoying it rather than stay too long."