Linda Riordan to stand down as Halifax MP

Labour MP for Halifax Linda Riordan will announce her decision to stand down from Parliament later today. Riordan has been a Member of Parliament since 2005, and Labour have held the seat since 1987, yet it is a target for the Conservatives. She told members of the local party of her decision to step down last night.

With a majority of just 1,472, Halifax is number 18 on the Tories’ target list, and they are understood to be putting time and resources into winning the seat – so expect a swift selection process from Labour here. It seems unusual that Riordan (who is a member of the Socialist Campaign Group in Parliament and has on occasion broken the party whip) would leave her decision so late, allowing the National Executive Committee (NEC) greater control over the selection.

While it may be a Tory target, a Lord Ashcroft poll of the constituency last May showed Labour with a lead of 17 points, compared to just a 3 point lead in 2010.

According to the local paper, Riordan told members:

“It is, after much thought, that I will be standing down as the town’s MP and I will not be contesting the forthcoming General Election campaign.

“It has been an incredibly tough decision to make. Over recent weeks and months my health, particularly my long-standing rheumatoid arthritis, has made it increasingly difficult to carry out the job as effectively as I would like. I think this decision is the best one for the people of Halifax and the constituency.

“I don’t want to go into a vital General Election campaign knowing that I can’t give that campaign the energy and commitment it needs.

“I would like to thank Halifax residents for putting their trust in me to serve two terms as MP. I would also like to thank local Labour Party Members who have supported me over the last decade. Finally, I also want to say how grateful I have been for the hard work of my staff, past and present, who have been committed, loyal and dedicated.

“Over the next few weeks I will continue to represent constituents to the best of my ability. There are some big issues and challenges ahead for the town. Not least, the ongoing campaign to save Calderdale Royal Hospital A & E from closure. I will go on speaking out on that and other issues that matter for communities across Halifax.

“It has been a real honour to have been Labour MP for the town I was born, grew up in and have always lived in.

“I wish the Labour Party, Halifax Constituency Labour Party and the next Labour candidate for Halifax every success in the forthcoming General Election campaign. It is vital for Halifax that we have a Labour MP and a Labour Government elected in May. I will give whoever is selected Labour candidate for the election campaign my full backing and support.”