Ruth Davidson RULES OUT becoming Prime Minister as she admits to mental health struggles
LEADER of the Scottish Conservatives, Ruth Davidson, has ruled herself out of ever becoming the UK Prime Minister, citing mental illness, childcare and her relationship among the key reasons.
In an extraordinarily candid interview, Ms Davidson revealed how she self-harmed and experienced suicidal thoughts when she was younger.
The pregnant 39-year-old MP, who was named among Vogue magazine’s 25 most influential women this year, is popular within the Tory Party and is regularly touted as a potential leader.
But when asked by the Sunday Times whether she planned to become commander-in-chief of her party, she categorically ruled it out.
She said: “No. I value my relationship and mental health too much for it.
“I will not be a candidate.”
She added: “You have to want it, and I don’t want to be Prime Minister.”
Many Conservative MPs expect a leadership election to be triggered within the next 12 months.
But Mrs May has given no indication she intends to stand down.
Ms Davidson also expressed childcare concerns if she became Prime Minster.
The Scottish MP said: “On a human level, the idea that I would have a child in Edinburgh and then immediately go down to London four days a week and leave it up here is offensive, actually offensive to me.”
When the popular Conservative MP was at university, a boy from her home village committed suicide.
Of the incident, she said: “I went into a total tailspin.
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“I started hurting myself: punching walls, cutting my stomach and arms with blades or broken glass, drinking far, far too much and becoming belligerent and angry, pushing people away.
“I was punishing myself and hating myself for it at the same time.”
Ms Davidson was diagnosed with clinical depression a year later, but her medication gave her “desperate, dark, terrible dreams” where she “couldn’t tell what was real”.
She admitted she had experienced “suicidal thoughts” and she is “still frightened” of going back to the “psychological place I once inhabited”.
The politician added she relies on “structure, exercise, forward momentum, measurable outcomes” when she is feeling anxious.
Ms Davidson and her partner Jen Wilson are expecting their first child in late autumn following a successful IVF procedure.
She said: “Jen and I are delighted to be able to say that we are starting a family.”
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 116 123 or visit a local Samaritans branch.