William Wragg: Tory MP takes 'short break' due to depression

William Wragg has said he is taking a "short break" from his duties as an MP to recover from depression.

The Conservative MP for Hazel Grove revealed he had lived with depression and anxiety most of his adult life, and both were currently "severe".

He said he hoped to return "refreshed" and "loving life and myself a little bit more".

He added his constituents would continue to be able to contact his office for assistance.

Writing on Twitter, the 34-year-old said: "I am resisting the temptation to give up entirely. As such, I require a short break".

He said that he was making his statement "as an explanation, instead of giving recurrent excuses," and hoped to return "better able to represent my constituents".

"I know that how I feel is far from unique," he added.

"I would say to anyone who feels similarly, that they should speak to someone they trust, seek and accept support.

"Do not assume those who are outwardly confident and successful are without doubts and despair."

The NHS offers advice on how to deal with depression and anxiety disorders.

BBC Headroom offers a toolkit for the mind to help people with practical tips, uplifting personal stories, as well as activities and music to take your mind off things.

Mr Wragg received supportive messages from a number of fellow MPs and others working at Westminster.

Labour's Andrew Gwynne replied: "Sorry to read this Will. I've been there.

"My black dog is firmly in his kennel (mainly thanks to the Citalopram)… you take some recovery time, your office can deal with casework, etc. and get yourself back to how you should be".

SNP MP John Nicholson said: "Talking about this issue in public isn't easy. Wishing William some peaceful downtime and a swift return."

Dave Penman, the boss of the FDA union representing senior civil servants, said he can "only imagine the courage it takes to explain publicly the challenges you're facing".

He added: "You have been a courageous public servant and I look forward to your speedy return to frontline public service."

Former councillor and teacher Mr Wragg has represented the Hazel Grove constituency in Greater Manchester since 2015.

He has chaired the Commons Public Administration and Constitutional Affairs Committee since January 2020.

A prominent critic of outgoing prime minister Boris Johnson, he hit the headlines earlier this year when he warned about the tactics used by No 10 to enforce party discipline.

Mental health has traditionally been a taboo subject at Westminster but MPs have become more open about their struggles in recent years.

Labour's Kevan Jones revealed his battles with depression during a Commons debate in 2012, saying some family members would be hearing about it for the first time.

During the same debate, Conservative MP Charles Walker also spoke out about his struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder, later saying it was "liberating" to talk about the subject openly.