MP will quit due to poor health

Cannock MP Tony Wright has announced he will stand down before the next election due to health fears.

The 60-year-old Labour MP revealed in October 2004 that he is battling chronic leukaemia and kidney disease.

Mr Wright, who was first elected as MP for Cannock in 1992, will resign from his seat in Parliament within the next two years and today said it had been "a great privilege to represent the people of Cannock Chase".

He added: "The uncertainties about my future health make it sensible for me to decide now to stand down from the Commons at the next election. I hope to remain an active member of Parliament until then."

The former Birmingham University lecturer said he had tried to represent the area to the best of his ability, adding he was "very grateful" for all the support he has received over the years.

During his years in Parliament Mr Wright focused on issues such as immigration and citizenship as well as ex-miners' rights and pensions.