James Purnell to stand down as MP

By Alex Smith / @alexsmith1982

UPDATE: James Purnell’s statement is printed in full below…

James Purnell’s decision to stand down as MP for Stalybridge and Hyde is a shock – and yet somehow not a surprise.

When I interviewed him last week, and saw him again on Monday, he was considered and hopeful – still full of ideas – but also philosophical, almost wistful, about his own future. He said during our conversation that he had no intention to return to the frontline of politics:

“I’m really enjoying the Demos project and the grassroots stuff I’ve been doing. I’m proud of what I did in Government, both as an adviser for four years and as a minister for four years. But I’m not looking to come back into a frontline role. I hope that what I’m doing through these projects can make a difference, and I think there are lots of ways you can contribute to politics which are much wider than just being at the frontline. My first office after university is fifty yards form where my office is now, so the things that I’ve seen in the last year have reminded me that there’s a big wide world out there. I hope that perspective is something that will be helpful for the Party. So I’m happy where I am now.”

Some people will not rue his departure from politics. Bob Piper, a Labour councillor in Sandwell, expresses his “joy” at Purnell’s decision.

But just yesterday afternoon I had a conversation with a colleague in the media – who is political but not party political – who called Purnell “deeply impressive”. It’s a shame that that talent has decided to stand down from Parliament.

No doubt he will continue to contribute to the debate through his Open Left project at Demos.

James Purnell Statement:

“I have today told the executive committee of my local party that I do not wish to be the candidate for Stalybridge and Hyde at the next general election.

I have been proud to represent the people of Stalybridge and Hyde. And this has been an extremely difficult decision to make.

But I have decided that I no longer wish to be an MP. I have spent all my working life in or about Westminster. And while this has been a huge privilege, I’ve realised I don’t want to have spent all my life in frontline politics.

I’m looking forward to completing my project at Demos. After that my hope is to contribute ideas to public service and to the Labour party.

I do want to thank all the people who voted for me in the last two elections, and especially the members of the local Labour party, for all their support. I hope they are as proud as I am of what we’ve done together, not least the improvements to our schools and our hospital that are now on the way.”