Labour former minister Kevan Jones has announced he will not stand at the General Election.

The North Durham MP said it would be “impossible” for him to fight the campaign as he is undergoing surgery and treatment in early June for “an ongoing condition”.

He described his decision not to stand as “difficult”, adding: “I am sad to be leaving the House of Commons but would like to thank the people of North Durham and my supporters who gave me the opportunity to serve them.”

In a statement, he said: “It has been an honour and a privileged to represent the people of North Durham in Parliament since 2001. It has been a difficult decision to take to decided that I will not be a candidate at the forthcoming General Election.

“Over the last 23 years, I have had the privilege of meeting and helping thousands of constituents in North Durham and I am proud of the constituency’s continuing strong sense of community and vibrant voluntary sector.

“I hope that my efforts as your Member of Parliament have helped to support this.

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“I am sad to be leaving the House of Commons but would like to thank the people of North Durham and my supporters who gave me the opportunity to serve them.”

Mr Jones highlighted campaigns on the plight miners’ compensation, and efforts to bring justice for the sub-postmasters campaign.

He said he was satisfied that the voices of those affected by the Post Office Horizon are now being heard.