LABOUR MP Tom Blenkinsop will not be seeking re-election at the upcoming General Election, citing "significant and irreconcilable" difficulties with the party's leadership.

But Jenny Chapman, James Wharton, Anna Turley and Alex Cunningham all declared their intention to stand again on June 8.

Mr Blenkinsop has served as MP for his home constituency Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland since 2010.

He said: “I will not seeking re-election as the member of Parliament for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

“I have made no secret about my significant and irreconcilable differences with the current Labour leadership.

"It is because of these differences I feel I cannot in good faith stand as the Labour candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

“Representing the people of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has been the proudest years of my life.

“I will do all I can in my time remaining as an MP to champion my constituents and the area that means so much to me, as I have been proud to do over the last seven years.”

Meanwhile, Jenny Chapman, Labour MP for Darlington, confirmed her intentions to stand again.

In a brief statement, she said: "Let’s not pretend this in the national interest, it isn’t.

"I will fight to stay as MP for Darlington, the town where I grew up and the town I love.

"We have important battles to fight including saving services at Darlington Memorial Hospital. These are battles I intend to fight and intend to win.”

And James Wharton, MP for Stockton South, has also confirmed his candidacy, saying: “We have come a long way in the last seven years, with new schools built and significant investment in North Tees Hospital. 

"From saving Preston Park, to stopping North Tees being moved to Wynyard, I am proud of my track record of work for our area, and I know there is more to do. 

"Locally we need more investment in our hospital and schools, whilst nationally we need a government that can deliver the right deal as we leave the EU.

"This is the most important election for a generation.  It is not just about what happens to the UK at home, but our place in the world. 

"Theresa May is the right Prime Minister to deliver Brexit and get a deal that will work for us all.  I look forward to campaigning hard over the coming weeks. Whatever happens I want to thank the people of Stockton South for their support over the past seven years.”

Commenting on the announcement by Mr Blenkinsop that he is to step down, he said: “Tom had irreconcilable differences with his Party and I am not surprised by his decision. 

"We have often clashed in the past but whatever life holds for him next I hope he finds happiness.  I look forward to the campaign to ensure a Conservative is elected in Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland and Teesside moves forward into the future.”

Ms Turley said: "Neither Theresa May nor the Conservative Party have a mandate for their government so it is right to go to the public, although the timing of her change of heart seems to be politically motivated rather than in the best interests of the country.

“After seven years it is clear the Conservative approach of austerity economics has failed Teesside. We have lost our steelworks, child poverty is rising, unemployment is well above the national average, and we have two and a half times the national rate of youth unemployment. We need a government who will invest and rebuild and the Tories have shown they do not care about our area. They were willing to step in and save the steel industry in Wales but not here.

“We need a Labour government to deliver for the whole country. For two years I have fought tooth and nail for this area and I will continue to stand up for Redcar and Teesside."

Stockton North MP Alex Cunningham said: “I can confirm that I will again seek the nomination to stand on behalf of the Labour Party in Stockton North in the General Election in June.

“Despite the Prime Minister's constant denials that there would be no general election until 2020, her decision to call one comes as no surprise. 

“I look forward to taking my personal record of service and a policy platform based on fairness for all our citizens to the people of Stockton North as I ask again for their support to be returned as their Member of Parliament for a third term.”

Conservative Parliamentary spokesman for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland Simon Clarke has also announced his intention to stand.

He said: “It’s a huge privilege to have been given the opportunity to represent the constituency where I was born and grew up – I come from Marton and served as our candidate for Middlesbrough in the 2015 election.

“My beliefs aren’t complicated. I believe in the value of hard work and taking responsibility.

“I believe in living within our means and not piling up debt for our children.

“And I believe in a strong, independent Britain which is a force for good in the world.”

Mr Clarke added: “The General Election represents a defining choice between the chaos of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour Party and Theresa May's Conservatives, with a clear plan to keep growing our economy and delivering strong public services.

“The campaign ahead will be incredibly demanding as we seek to earn the trust of voters across Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.”