ILL health has forced a Teesside politician to take a leave of absence until the new year.

Redcar’s MP Anna Turley, who is recuperating from major surgery, told her constituents that she has been signed off until early 2018 but would continue to champion causes on their behalf, despite her illness.

Ms Turley underwent a series of operations to alleviate the symptoms of infected cysts after being rushed to hospital in June.

Sadly, the operations were unsuccessful, which meant the Labour MP had to have major surgery at London’s St Thomas’ Hospital last week to remove infected tissue.

Ms Turley has thanked the hospital, and Middlesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital, for the care she has received.

She said: "I have been signed off for physical recuperation until the new year.

"These are symptoms, problems and procedures thousands of women experience every year in the UK and I am grateful to all the staff at both St Thomas's and James Cook for the care I've received.

"My office will, of course, still be functioning and available for individual constituents' help, advice or general inquiries."

The MP said she will be "paired" with an opposition MP so her absence from Parliament will not change the result of any vote.

She reassured constituents she will keep abreast of local and national issues and said they can continue to contact her.

She said: "I will be writing to ministers, putting in questions to various government departments and championing causes on your behalf, so do keep in touch as usual."

Ms Turley was disappointed not to be at the Remembrance Sunday commemoration and was sorry she will miss other events in the run-up to Christmas.

She added: "I would like to thank everyone for the support and good wishes I've received whilst ill and look forward to being fighting fit and back to full health in the new year."