SNP: Mhairi Black says Westminster is a 'toxic' environment, and many MPs agree with her

The SNP Westminster Deputy Leader is standing down at the next election.

Mhairi Black has announced she will stand down at the next election, describing Westminster as a “toxic environment”.

The Paisley and Renfrewshire South MP told The News Agents podcast the Commons is “one of the most unhealthy workplaces that you could ever be in”. She went on to describe it as a “poisonous place”, citing “what folk can get away with”.

While this may sound dramatic, it also is a view widely shared by not just underpaid and overworked staffers, but MPs as well.

SNP's Mhairi Black speaks during Prime Minister's Questions. Picture: House of Commons/UK Parliament

Speaking to MPs from across the house after her interview went live, the consensus was one of general agreement, if not jealousy they were able to get out.

SNP MP Anum Quaisar, who has been racially profiled in Parliament, told The Scotsman she was saddened Ms Black was not seeking re-election, but understood her reasoning.

She said: "After all, she is right – Westminster is toxic.

“I share many of her experiences with the antiquated methods of this Parliament. It is time we address that the Westminster system is broken and that tradition has become a hindrance on true progress.

“Without change, Westminster will continue to exist as a toxic place with an old boys’ club culture that is rife with misogyny and elements of racism.”

Support was not just limited to her own part, with a Labour MP describing Westminster as “gross”, adding they were envious of her departing.

They said: “I might not agree with her [Ms Black’s] politics, but she was absolutely bang on about this place. It’s horrible power dynamics, abusive men, and it just takes over people’s lives."

A Tory MP claimed Ms Black seemed to be enjoying it, but admitted working in Westminster could be a “bit much”.

More than one MP told this newspaper they had to convince themselves to stay in post on a daily basis, while another admitted they just wanted to pay off their mortgage, then quit.

To understand this, it is worth remembering working in Westminster is not a 9-5 job. It’s a campus you live in, often far from your friends and family, working from early morning until often late at night, surrounded by people who feel entitled to be there.

Staffers and MPs warn each other over who isn’t safe to be around, or who isn’t to be trusted, and understand that working in the Commons means that being around such people is “priced in”.

Within 24 hours of Ms Black’s announcement, six members of staff told BBC Newsnight that abuses of power by male MPs and senior staffers remained common, and a new complaints process was too slow.

This is also having an impact on staff numbers, with talented people frequently looking for a way out. Activists who grew up wanting to be at Parliament are ending up desperate to leave after seeing the culture that’s ignored, if not enabled, by those in power.

Not everyone who works in Westminster is horrible, and not all of its practices are bad. But Ms Black is not wrong it call it out, nor is she alone in wanting to leave.