Expert comment: PMQs upset highlights importance of politicians' wellbeing

Past studies, including ones he has conducted, have found that 40% of MPs meet the threshold for experiencing psychological distress, which is around twice as high as in the general population. In common with most of the working population, this figure can fluctuate with challenging experiences at work.

Ashley explained: “Many people have strong views and high expectations for our politicians – and often we don’t really have or take the time to consider their needs as human beings. But if we want effective leadership, we do need to consider the capacity of those involved to function effectively, make good decisions on our behalf and draw on sources of support to help individuals get through difficult times. It is vital in a democracy that we can disagree with and criticise policy, but it is also important to recognise the potential risks where individual politicians become targeted.

“While high-profile figures like front-bench politicians operate under the pressure of media scrutiny, members of the public may not realise that MPs' staff are also on the frontline, putting into action many of the things MPs do in their constituency and Parliamentary work that support the needs of the people they represent. Politics behind the scenes is not quite the glamorised and privileged view we are tempted to hold, so it is important that staff are not omitted from the supportive structures at work we would all expect. Results of the latest survey of MPs' staff are out in the coming days, but what we know - and the Speaker of the House of Commons has recognised - is that raising the standards of their working conditions also means we all end up benefiting.”