Frank Dobson confirms he’s retiring as an MP

As we reported last week, Frank Dobson is stepping down as MP for Holborn and St Pancras – and he’s officially announcing his decision this evening at a meeting of local party members.

Dobson, who is retiring at the age of 74  began his career in politics at Camden London Borough Council, where he was elected as a councillor in 1971 before becoming leader of the council for two years later in 1973.

Six years later he entered into the Commons as an MP. After a lengthy career in parliament, in which he served in several shadow ministerial posts, including energy, transport and environment. Dobson became Health Secretary in the Blair government from 1997-2001.

That Dobson was set to resign has become an open secret in Labour circles – especially in his home borough of Camden – which has led to some low level “pre-campaigning” for the selection before Dobson had made his official announcement. Indeed, it appears Dobson had planned to announce his decision last month – but the planned meeting clashed with one of England’s World Cup matches.

Announcing his retirement this evening, Dobson said:

“I have decided to pack in when people are stopping me in the street to say they hope I am not going – rather than waiting until they ask why the hell I am still around. It has been an honour to represent the people of Holborn & St. Pancras for all these years and to have made at least some contribution to making it a better place to live, including helping save Covent Garden from redevelopment, getting St. Pancras International as the Eurostar station, rebuilding University College London Hospital, saving Barts and refurbishing the Whittington Hospital.

“Our constituency includes an enormous variety of communities and loyalties with widely differing views on many issues. So, it’s impossible to agree with everybody and I have always tried to make my position clear on issues as they arise. I am proud of the people I represent. They get on together and help one another. Outsiders who have tried to stir up divisions have always failed. Common sense and human decency have prevailed. It has been hard work keeping up with the needs and aspirations of local people and helping resolve their problems. My constituents have been slow to chide and swift to bless. So I have enjoyed the job. I will keep at it until the next election and give whatever help I can to my successor.”

Everyone at LabourList would like to wish Dobson the very best of luck in whatever he does next. We’ll have news on the hotly-contested selection for the seat once it (officially) begins.