Is ‘mud slinging’, as Van Esch calls it, the only reason she is resigning? The MP gives a firm answer for the first time: “No. I think the work is fantastic, but the workload, the long days, the constant standing on the job, that takes its toll on your family life. That is always in the back of my mind. Then a week like that might be the final push, or a big push, in that direction. But one that doesn’t come as a total surprise.”