Andy Love, whose 18-year parliamentary career will come to a close this Spring
The outgoing MP for Edmonton has described his decision to stand down as the hardest decision he has ever had to make.
Andy Love was one of the winning MPs who entered the Commons in Tony Blair’s landslide election victory of 1997, becoming the first Labour MP for Edmonton in fourteen years.
He had challenged for the constituency five years previously but lost by just 593 votes to the Conservative Ian Twinn.
In a statement on Monday, Mr Love said: “This is the hardest decision I have ever had to make, but I believe – given that I’ll be in my 70s when the next Parliament ends in 2020 – that now is the right time for me to let someone else take on the job of representing Edmonton.
“In has been an honour and a privilege to represent the area for so long and the friendship, support and solidarity that so many people have shown me over the years has been particularly appreciated.
“Edmonton hasn’t seen the back of me though! I hope to continue to have some role in improving the lives of the people of Edmonton.”
Tributes were paid by Ed Miliband, the Labour Party leader, who described Mr Love as ‘a big loss to us in Parliament’.
He said: “Andy has been a fantastic Member of Parliament, always putting the people of Edmonton first.
“His diligence and hard work will be a big loss to us in Parliament, especially his important work on the Treasury Select Committee.
“On behalf of the Labour Party I would like to thank him for his lifetime of service and I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
