Housing minister to stand down as MSP in 2016

Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess has announced she will stand down from the Scottish Parliament in 2016.

The MSP has represented Cunninghame South since 2011 and has been in the ministerial role since 2012.

She said she will continue to work “tirelessly” to serve her constituents and the people of Scotland during the remainder of her term.

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In a statement to the Daily Record, she said: “To represent the people of Irvine, Kilwinning and Stevenston in the Scottish Parliament and to serve as a Minister in the Scottish Government continues to be the honour and privilege of my life.

“However, although it has been a difficult decision and I have thought long and hard, I have concluded after having worked for 50 years, that it will the right time to retire at the end of this parliamentary term.

“During my term, the SNP Government has much to be proud of - mitigating the effects of Westminster’s bedroom tax, setting up the Scottish Welfare Fund with its Crisis Grants and Community Care Grants, our council tax reduction scheme, Help To Buy and more.

“We’ve also seen additional funding for A&E in NHS Ayrshire, as well as funding support for Ayrshire jobs and for regeneration projects in Cunninghame South. More recently, North Ayrshire has been allocated additional funding to improve educational attainment in disadvantaged areas.

“Now, as the constituency moves to select a new SNP candidate for 2016, I am sure that they will choose an effective, capable and enthusiastic contender to be the next MSP for Cunninghame South.”