Carla Denyer will take several weeks off work to recover from mental and physical health symptoms linked to burnout, saying her doctor advised her to step back now rather than push on. The Bristol Central MP said the decision was difficult, but necessary after a period in which long hours and heavy responsibility had left her struggling with persistent health issues.
Denyer said burnout does not tend to improve on its own and can worsen if it is left unmanaged, a warning that placed her announcement in blunt personal terms rather than political ones. She said it was an honour to represent the people of Bristol Central and that stepping back for a little while would, she hopes, allow her to return as a better champion for the community.
The move comes after a fast rise in public life for Denyer, who was elected to Bristol Central in the 2024 general election after more than 10 years working in politics in different roles. She also served as co-leader of the Green Party from 2021 to 2025, giving her a prominent national profile before shifting fully into constituency work.
Burnout is understood as an occupational health condition that stems from persistent and prolonged periods of stress, and Denyer’s decision brings that abstract definition into sharp relief. She said her constituency office will continue to function as usual while she is away, meaning casework and day-to-day support for local people should carry on without interruption.
Her statement also carries a wider point that goes beyond one politician’s schedule. Denyer said she hoped that by sharing her own struggles, she could help reduce the stigma around burnout and encourage a more open conversation about it, a message that is likely to resonate with workers well beyond Westminster. The unanswered question now is not whether she is stepping back, but how quickly she can recover from a condition she has made clear should not be left to worsen.
