Blackpool MP Joan Humble to stand down

By LabourList / @LabourList

Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood Joan Humble will stand down at the election, it has been announced. The former Lancashire County Councillor has represented the constituency since 1997 when she overturned a Tory majority of over 8,000 to take the seat.

Boundary changes for the new Blackpool North and Cleveleys constituency will leave Humble’s successor as PPC defending a notional majority of 3,540 against a challenge from Conservative Paul Maynard.

Humble told the Fleetwood Weekly News:

“I have reached this decision after careful thought. My husband Paul is very close to retirement and we naturally wish to spend more time together in retirement. I would also like to devote much more time to my parents, who live in Yorkshire and have turned eighty.

The news comes only 68 days before the likely election date of 6 May.