BREAKING: Greg Pope to stand down

From @LabourList

Greg Pope, the Labour MP for Hyndburn, former party whip and member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, is standing down in the next general election, he’s just announced.

He said it was not a sudden decision and that changes in his family circumstances meant he was loking to try something new. He further stated that his decision had “absolutely nothing” to do with the MPs’ expenses scandal or the leadership of Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Pope has served as Hyndburn MP for more than 17 years. In a statement, he said:

“It is something I have been thinking about for a long time with my family and it seems like the right time. My wife no longer works for Lancashire County Council. My elderly mother died a few months ago and my youngest son is now 18 years old.”

He continued:

“I’ve been fortunate to represent in the House of Commons the town where I grew up, something which is increasingly unusual for a member of parliament. When I was first chosen to contest Hyndburn there was a Conservative MP with a majority of 2,220. I am leaving a healthy Labour majority of 5,587 to my successor and he or she will have my strong support. I’m proud to be a member of the Labour Party and wish it well at the next election. I believe firmly that the best interests of my constituents are with Labour and I will work hard for the election of a Labour Government.I have a great affection for the people of this area and want to thank them most sincerely for electing me to represent them four times. I’m extremely grateful.”

Serving four terms in the House of Commons has “taken its toll, Mr Pope said, and he’s had “enough”.