Tory MP William Wragg takes break from politics to deal with depression and anxiety

Conservative MP William Wragg has announced he is taking a “short break” from politics as he deals with depression and anxiety.

The MP for Hazel Grove in Manchester made the announcement on Twitter, saying he had struggled with his mental health for “most of my adult life”.

He said he hoped a break would allow him to return to politics “refreshed” and “loving life and myself a little bit more”.

Wragg titled his post ‘Banishing the black dog’ - a reference to the name former Conservative Prime Minister Winston Churchill used to refer to his own struggles with depression.

His statement was greeted with support from across the political divide with Liberal Democrat MP Alistair Carmichael among those wishing him well.

The politician, who grew up in his constituency, was first elected in 2015 and re-elected in 2017 and 2019.

He also served as a local councillor before being elected as an MP and previously worked as a primary school teacher in Manchester.