A NORTH-EAST MP has announced he will stand down at the next General Election.

Gerry Steinberg, 57, who represents Durham City for Labour, revealed his intentions at a constituency party meeting at the weekend, saying he had thoroughly enjoyed his Westminster career, but felt the next election, due in three years, would be the right time to retire.

Since taking over from Mark Hughes in 1987, Mr Steinberg, who previously served on Durham City Council, built up a majority of about 1,800 to a high of 22,504 in Labour's landslide victory in 1997.

Mr Steinberg, who was born and brought up in the constituency, was a school headteacher and retains a keen interest in education.

He is a member of the public accounts select committee and supports the abolition of hunting.

Last night, the father-of-two, who is to become a grandfather next year, said: "It is about time to go. I want to look forward to doing something else because I have been involved in politics for 30 years."

He said the decision to step down was a difficult one, adding that there was no pressure from the party.

Mr Steinberg also said he decided to announce his plans this year to stop a candidate being appointed by Labour's National Executive Committee (NEC).

He said: "If you wait after a certain time, the NEC can virtually take over the running of the selection. By doing what I have done, I have hopefully ensured the local party will decide who my successor will be.''

Party secretary, Matthew Teale, said: "He is obviously very well-respected within the constituency.

"He is on very good terms with members, those he agrees with and those he disagrees with. He has done a great deal and will be missed very much."