Bootle MP Joe Benton to step down

Yesterday Joe Benton, who has been MP for Bootle for the past 24 years, announced that he would be standing down at the next election.

Although it’s reported that he was keen to remain the Labour candidate in 2015, the BBC have said it looks as if Benton has been forced out by local constituents who are disappointed with his low-level national profile.

Despite these rumours, Benton released a statement explaining his position:

“Following amicable discussions with the Labour Party at regional and parliamentary levels, I have decided to retire.

I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to the people of Bootle for their tremendous support over the 45 years at both local and national level I have had the great privilege and honour to represent them.

I assure them I will continue to do so to the best of my ability for the remainder of this Parliament.

I place on the record also my appreciation to the Labour Party for affording me the great honour of being part of the Labour team in its historic purpose in fighting for social justice.”

Now the question is whether the party will opt for an all-women shortlist (AWS) to replace Benton. Labour are rightly at the forefront of trying to address the stark gender imbalance in Parliament but following the recent fall-out in Cynon Valley – where local members are disputing the decision to use AWS – the decision could prove to be an interesting one.

We’ll keep you updated.