A Labour Member of the Scottish Parliament has stepped down to take up a policy role with Age Scotland. 

Richard Baker, MSP for North East Scotland announced on Monday he will take up the role of early stage dementia team policy officer at Age Scotland. He had previously intended to stand down at the next election.

Baker was the Scottish Labour Party's Westminster candidate in Aberdeen North in the 2015 General Election and also stood unsuccessfully for the deputy leadership of the Scottish Labour Party last year.   

In an email to paliamentary colleagues, Baker said: "Having worked for Help the Aged before I was elected, I am particularly delighted to start a new challenge with a charity which does so much for older people in Scotland.”

Baker told Civil Society News his new role was a continuation of his political interest in issues affecting older people.

“I have always been interested and involved in policies affecting older people and look forward to taking on a policy development role in the area of early stage dementia,” he said.

A statement by Scottish Labour Leader Kezia Dugdale said: “Parliament's loss is Age Scotland's gain. I wish Richard all the best in his new role, and know that he will be a major asset to the vital campaign work of ensuring older people get the best from our government."

A spokesman for Age Scotland confirmed Baker has accepted a position with the charity but said it could not "comment further on individual staff members".

Lesley Brennan, the next candidate on Labour's North East list, will take his seat at Holyrood.