Hull MP Alan Johnson confirms he is stepping down

HULL West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson will not contest his seat at the snap General Election called by Theresa May, he confirmed today.
Hull West and Hessle MP Alan JohnsonHull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson
Hull West and Hessle MP Alan Johnson

The former Home Secretary told his local Labour party that he would be bringing his Commons career to an end after 20 years when the country goes to the polls in June.

Often touted as a potential Labour leader during is parliamentary career, Mr Johnson has been a major critic of Jeremy Corbyn's leadership.

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Mr Johnson led Labour's referendum campaign to remain in the European Union and was angered at the approach taken by the party's leader.

In a letter to his constituency party today he wrote: "Every day has been a privilege and a pleasure but it can't go on for ever and the electoral cycle means that each incumbent has to think again about what's best for them, the constituency and the party."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: “I want to thank Alan Johnson for his years of dedicated service to the Labour Party and to the people of Hull West and Hessle.

“Alan is the epitome of Labour values, coming from extremely humble beginnings, working as a postman before working in the trade union movement and then as a Labour member of parliament.

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“He served in the Labour governments between 2003 and 2010 with distinction, holding no fewer than five cabinet positions including those of Home Secretary and Health Secretary.

“He is a politician who commands respect and admiration from across the political divide, and he will be missed from the Commons by members of all parties.”