With the recent news that Nicol Stephen is stepping down as Scottish LibDem leader to spend more time with his family, it is a remarkable coincidence that Norman Fowler, modern (indirect) originator of the phrase "standing down to spend more time with my family", reflects on his own decision in today's Guardian Family section.
Having curtailed (albeit unsuccessfully sometimes) my own hobbyist political activity to allow full family involvement, I always take at face value the words of a politician who says he/she wants to spend more time with his/her family (whether that be a "nuclear" one or simply their partner). Nicol Stephen is the latest in a procession of politicians so doing. Matthew Taylor announced his departure as an MP about a year ago for family reasons. There has also been Alan Milburn and, in other fields, former Archbishop Runcie and Nigel Mansell.
I know some snigger and assume that it is a made-up excuse. I don't.
Nigel Fowler tells of some of the moments he had with his family which he would not have been able to enjoy had he continued his ministerial career. He's a wise man.
After all, in his sixties he now has some real family memories and a sense of bonding with his daughters and grand-children (and, it has to be said, a book to promote).
What does he have to show for his ten years as a minister?
......um............er............um................"Ministers Decide" anyone? 10 pence to a good home at your local Oxfam.
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