MP decides not to seek re-election after sepsis
- Published
Conservative MP Craig Mackinlay who lost his hands and feet after suffering a life-threatening episode of sepsis says he will not be seeking re-election.
The South Thanet MP only returned to parliament on 22 May, a day before the election was called, after eight months in recovery.
Mr Mackinlay said he came to his decision after "36 hours of intense soul searching".
He becomes the 117th MP to stand down ahead of the general election.
In a social media post, Mr Mackinlay said: "Whilst my heart tells me to stand again, there being so much unfinished business across local regeneration and national issues which are important to me, my head knows this to be impossible at this time."
- Published22 May
Mr Mackinlay had to learn to walk gain using prosthetic limbs after his limbs turned "black" and were amputated after he contracted Sepsis last September.
Speaking to the BBC, ahead of his return he said wanted to be known as the first "bionic MP", after he was fitted with prosthetic legs and hands.
His fellow MPs gave him a standing ovation when he returned to Parliament.
Mr Mackinlay told the BBC the ordeal made him "realise the important things are family, friends, children."
His wife Kati, who works as a pharmacist, played a crucial role in recognising his critical condition and securing his medical care.
Their five-year-old daughter Olivia nicknamed one of his prosthetic legs Albert, after the dummy used by war camp prisoners in the 1950s film, Albert R.N.
Who is Craig Mackinlay?
Before entering Parliament, Mr Mackinlay worked as a chartered accountant.
Originally a member of the pro-Brexit UK Independence Party, he was elected as a Conservative MP for South Thanet in 2015.
He went on to lead the Net Zero Scrutiny Group which campaigned for a move away from Net Zero policies towards more UK oil and gas production to lower energy costs.
Until Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called the election this July, Mr Mackinlay had said he planned to fight the next election in his Kent constituency, due to be renamed Thanet East.
Cheers for MP recovering from sepsis
The suddenness of the surprise election campaign meant it would be "difficult to withstand the rigours of an all-out election campaign, a campaign that I'd always wish to lead from the front," he added.
Mr Mackinlay said: "Upon being re-elected it would be difficult for me to sustain 70 to 80 hour working weeks which were the norm prior to my illness.
I had hoped to phase my return to the House of Commons over the coming months as my abilities improved.
"I face numerous future operations as a result of the serious sepsis that I suffered which very nearly took my life. I have only just started the prosthetic journey and I have weekly physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions.
"To be elected to the House of Commons is a rare privilege of life".
Fellow Tory MP Steve Baker paid tribute to Mr Mackinlay as "an absolute hero".
Visibly upset on BBC Two's Politics Live, Mr Baker said Mr Mackinlay had "been through absolute hell".
"I don’t mind openly admitting I’m very moved that he made his way back into parliament and I was glad to be there to hear what he said," Mr Baker added.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a rare but serious condition that develops when the body's immune system overreacts to an infection and starts attacking its own tissues and organs.
Symptoms can include severe breathlessness and slurred speech.
If sepsis is not treated early, it can turn into septic shock and cause organs to fail.