Walsall MP stands down after 36 years

Bruce George, Walsall's longest-serving MP, is to stand down ahead of the next general election, the Advertiser can reveal. The 67-year-old has served Walsall South for 36 years since first being elected in February 1974 and has been re-elected eight times.

From his constituency home yesterday, he told the Advertiser he would reluctantly not be returning for a ninth time on May 6 – the anticipated date for the next general election.

"It is a decision I have agonised over for the last several months and that I have reached with the very greatest reluctance and with an extremely heavy heart," he said.

"However I feel it is the right decision: the right decision for me, for my wife and above all for the Walsall South electorate and Labour Party."

The retiring MP declared his decision to stand down was due to a number of reasons, including health problems, a punishing schedule and a desire to spend more time with his wife Lisa.

"Lisa has loyally stood by my side throughout our time together over the last thirty years, sharing my life in Walsall and in London, and providing me with incalculable support in all manner of ways," he added.

Mr George was one of the few MPs to have 'no issues to report' following investigations into MPs' expenses claims.

His decision to announce his retirement was delayed as Sir Thomas Legg's investigation and announcement took place.

He was also keen to point out he was not jumping a 'sinking ship'.

He explained: "I've had it confirmed from two separate polls that Walsall South is more than likely to remain in Labour control, albeit by a reduced majority.

"So I am confident I would have remained as MP if I'd stayed on for another election.

"I feel I owe it to both my party and to the town to make way for a new face and a much younger individual to fight this seat at the next election."

In 2005, Mr George gained a huge majority of 7,946 over nearest rival Conservative candidate Kabir Sabar.

Uniquely, Mr George held five surgeries in Walsall every month, and it was this commitment to his constituency and eight re-elections he is most proud.

"I am so enormously proud when I walk around Walsall to see the progress that has been made in recent years," he said.

"There is improvement in the health service, the imminent opening of what is in essence a new hospital, increased investment in the police and a significant fall in crime."

Mr George gave heartfelt praise to Rose Burley, who is retiring as his constituency assistant in May. She will now be standing again for Walsall council in the Bentley-Darlaston ward.

He also gave mention to his senior researcher Simon Kimber, and his 'excellent' staff in London.

"I want to express my deepest, most heartfelt thanks to both Walsall and the party for the trust you have consistently placed in me and for the opportunities you have given to me," he said.

"I hope that I have upheld the trust that was conferred upon me by so many people that I have represented over the last 36 years, very many of whom have now passed away."

Walsall Labour Party members were informed of Mr George's decision last night, with talks commencing to announce his successor as the Labour candidate for Walsall South.