Cheer up, Tory MPs. Quitting a job turns out to be a good thing for your wellbeing

Michael Gove is one of the many Tory MPs standing down at the general election. Photograph: Tayfun Salcı/ZUMA Press Wire/REX/Shutterstock

In the aftermath of the pandemic there was much talk of a “great resignation” as people re- evaluated their lives. More columns were written about it than evidence that it was happening in the UK. Now, a great resignation is under way – of MPs. The number exiting ahead of polling day surpassed 1997’s exodus of 117, Michael Gove being the highest profile to stampede out.

Economists have an unusual take on quitting: it’s a good thing, indicating a strong economy with confident workers (though bad if one particular firm, or party, is haemorrhaging people).