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Labour MP Adrian Bailey standing down at upcoming general election

Labour MP Adrian Bailey has announced he is standing down at the December general election.

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Adrian Bailey

The West Bromwich West MP, who is 73, says that although he relished the challenge of the election, he believed the time was right to stand down.

In an email to members, he said: "My head said that I would be committing myself to work until I was nearly eighty years old and that, whilst I am very fit both mentally and physically, a younger person, more attuned and comfortable with political campaigning in a social media age would be better placed to promote Labour’s policies and values in the next Parliament.

"Consequently, I have decided that I no longer wish to be considered for re-election as the candidate for West Bromwich West in the next General Election."

A former Labour organiser, Mr Bailey has been the MP for the constituency since winning a byelection in 2000 that had been triggered by the resignation of Commons Speaker Betty Boothroyd.

Prior to that he was a Sandwell councillor for nine years and served as deputy leader.

Here is his statement to members in full:

Dear Member,

Following the 2017 General election I informed a number of close political associates that I wished that election to be my last as an MP.

Before the current re-selection process I met with constituency officers to discuss the imminent General election and whether to put my name forward again.

I had a dilemma. My heart relished the challenge of defeating this shambolic Government and campaigning to prevent a no deal Brexit which would be so damaging to our local manufacturing, jobs and living standards. I postponed making a final decision until circumstances became compelling.

My head said that I would be committing myself to work until I was nearly eighty years old and that, whilst I am very fit both mentally and physically, a younger person, more attuned and comfortable with political campaigning in a social media age would be better placed to promote Labour’s policies and values in the next Parliament.

Consequently, I have decided that I no longer wish to be considered for re-election as the candidate for West Bromwich West in the next General Election.

I wish to thank you personally, the officers of the Constituency Labour Party, the members and my staff for their friendship, commitment, loyalty and dedication over many years.

I would like to that the constituents of West Bromwich West for electing me to parliament on 6 occasions, thereby giving me the opportunity to do a job I love serving a constituency I love.

It has been an incredibly difficult decision to make.

I can assure you all that I am as committed to the re-election of a Labour Government as I have always been and will be working with you, the next candidate and local Councillors to hold West Bromwich West for Labour both at national and local level.

With thanks and best wishes

Adrian Bailey MP