Newcastle North MP Doug Henderson to quit (From The Northern Echo)

Newcastle North MP Doug Henderson to quit

11:55am Saturday 4th July 2009

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By Andrew Douglas »

ANOTHER of the region's MPs has announced he is to leave the Commons at the next General Election.

Doug Henderson, 60, a former Europe and Defence minister in Tony Blair's administration, said he believed it was time for ''a younger person with more energy and vitality'' to fight the Newcastle North seat.

''I told the leader of the Labour Party last summer that I would not be seeking re-election at the next General Election and I have told Newcastle North Labour PArty of my decision at its constituency meeting on Friday evening."

Doug Henderson

He joins the growing ranks of MPs leaving Westminster, many of whom have announced their decisions after the expenses scandal.

In the North-East, Hilary Armstrong, Labour MP for North-West Durham announced her intention to step down just hours ago.

The 64-year-old, one of Labour's longest serving chief whips, broke the news to party members in Crook last night.

Former colleague Alan Milburn, MP for Darlington, announced a week ago that he too will be stepping down.

Mr Henderson, who has represented Newcastle North since 1987, is a close ally of Gordon Brown and said he had informed the Prime Minister last summer of his intention to go.

Mr Henderson's main home was disclosed to be in the Scottish village where he went to school, 150 miles from his constituency.

In a statement, he said: ''I told the leader of the Labour Party last summer that I would not be seeking re-election at the next General Election and I have told Newcastle North Labour Party of my decision at its constituency meeting on Friday evening.

''I have had a great 22 years as the Member of Parliament for Newcastle North. It has been an immense privilege and an honour to represent a constituency with such a strong community spirit.

"But, I think it is now time for a younger person with more energy and vitality to take on the tough tasks ahead.

''I have told the general management committee that I would be a political activist as long as I have breath in my body and I am looking forward to working with those who will take over the responsibility.''

Mr Henderson won with a majority of 7,023 at the last General Election.

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