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Haverhill's MP Richard Spring has announced he will not be standing at the next general election.

Mr Spring, who will have been a local Conservative MP for 18 years by the time the election comes round next year, has been Haverhill's MP since the constituency of West Suffolk was created by boundary changes in 1997.

Before that, he was MP for Bury St Edmunds for five years, and he is currently vice-chairman of the Conservative Party.

The announcement was unexpected and does not include an explanation for his decision, only that it has been taken with 'mixed feelings'.

It came in a letter to his constituency association chairman Cllr Colin Noble, the fiull text of which is:

"I am writing to you to confirm that I shall not be contesting the West Suffolk constituency again, and will be leaving the House of Commons when the General Election is called.

"I have taken the decision with very mixed feelings. I will have been the local Member of Parliament for 18 years by the time the General Election takes place next year.

"It has been the greatest possible honour to have been the parliamentary representative for West Suffolk. I have enjoyed this role immensely. It has been a huge privilege to defend and promote local electors’ interests both in Suffolk and in the House of Commons.

"I am most grateful to you for the way you have chaired the association, and in particular pay tribute to you and Dorothy Whittaker, my constituency agent. It would not have been possible to fulfil my duties without your guidance and support.

"It goes without saying that I shall give my fullest support to the future prospective parliamentary candidate for the constituency, who I confidently believe will be the next Member of Parliament for West Suffolk."

Speaking after Richard’s announcement Mr Noble said: “The people of West Suffolk have been extremely fortunate to have had such an excellent MP as Richard Spring.

“During his time in the constituency he has worked tirelessly for local people and has championed the cause of the business community and the racing industry.

“I was extremely disappointed when Richard told me of his decision not to seek re-election at the General Election but wish him well in his future career.

“The zxecutive council and all our members realise it will be challenge to find a candidate to carry on with his valuable work for West Suffolk. But it is a challenge that we are all looking forward to.”



* Our picture shows Richard Spring MP in action in the House of Commons, battling against financial cuts to Haverhill GP practices.