News / Politics
Carla Denyer to take leave of absence for burnout
Carla Denyer has revealed that she has been suffering from burnout and will be taking several weeks off in order to get back to full health.
Despite following her doctor’s advice, Denyer said the decision to take time off for her health “was incredibly difficult”.
But the Green Party MP for Bristol Central hopes that by being open about with her own struggles with burnout, she “can help in some small way to combat the stigma around it and contribute to a more open conversation”.
Burnout is recognised by the World Health Organization (WHO) as an “occupational phenomenon” rather as a medical condition.
WHO classify burnout as “a syndrome conceptualized as resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed”.
In a statement released on Friday morning, Denyer said: “I’ve worked in politics for over a decade: as a councillor, for an MEP, as the co-leader of the Green Party and now it is a privilege to serve as the MP for Bristol Central.
“Over the last few years, I have been struggling with persistent health issues, and I have been trying to manage these alongside the long hours and significant responsibility my work entails.
“It has become clear that this is not an effective strategy and that doing so is inhibiting my ability to recover.
“Having taken advice from my doctor, I will be taking several weeks off in order to try to get back to full health.
“I want to be open about the fact that what I am suffering from is burnout – and the mental and physical symptoms that arise from it.
“Burnout is a condition that does not tend to get better on its own. If left unmanaged, it can worsen and increase your risk of long-term health problems.
“This is something that I know will be familiar to many people in all walks of life, especially those working in high-stress environments and in people-facing professions such as nurses, teachers and social workers.
“But it is also something that too often is not openly discussed.
“I hope that by sharing my own struggles, I can help in some small way to combat the stigma around it and contribute to a more open conversation.
“Making the decision to take time off for my health was incredibly difficult.
“It is an honour to represent the people of Bristol Central. And I know that by stepping back for a little while now, I will ultimately be able to return as a better champion for the community that means so much to me.
“I am grateful for the kindness and understanding I know my constituents will show if they see me out and about while I am recovering.”
In her statement, Denyer thanked her colleagues in the Green Party, in parliament and in her constituency team “for their understanding and support”.
She also thanked Nadia Whittome, the Labour MP for Nottingham East, “for the leadership she showed in 2021 when she took a leave of absence for her own recovery. Her openness then helped make it possible for me to do what’s best for my health now.”
During Denyer’s time away, her constituency office will be functioning as usual, as did the office of Denyer’s predecessor, Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire, who also had to take time off for health reasons when she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 shortly after being elected in what was then the Bristol West constituency.
Carla Denyer received 56% of the vote in Bristol Central in the 2024 general election, beating Thangam Debbonaire into second place – photo: Rob Browne
Mental Health UK chief executive, Brian Dow, said: “Left unchecked, sustained and severe stress can pose a huge threat to our health, but stigma means many people try to cope on their own.
“Burnout is not something you can push through; it’s a significant health issue that requires recognition and support.
“Carla is not alone and her openness about her experience of burnout will hopefully encourage others to prioritise their health.
“We wish her all the very best in her recovery.”
Main photo: Green Party
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