Wrexham MP Ian Lucas announces he will not stand at the next General Election

Wrexham MP Ian Lucas has announced that he will not stand at the next General Election.

Mr Lucas, who has represented Wrexham for 18 years, made the announcement on social media tonight.

In a letter posted online, Mr Lucas said he would not be standing for selection or election at any forthcoming General Election.

He said he made the decision “after much thought and for personal and family reasons”.

In his letter, Mr Lucas says: “I have been MP for Wrexham for over 18 years. It has been a huge privilege.

“I owe a great debt to the people of Wrexham who have elected me five times.

“I joined the Labour Party in Wrexham in 1986 and have now been an activist in the Party for well over 30 years. I have met many of my closest friends through the Party.

“However, being a Member of Parliament is also a hugely demanding responsibility, increasingly so.

“My wife Norah has enabled me to do the job. Put simply, I could not have done it without her, particularly as we have been blessed with two lovely children who needed her devoted care when I could not give it because I was away in Parliament.

“I am 60 next year. I have been an MP since I was 40. I think the time is right for me to choose to follow a different path in the years to come.

“I have therefore decided, after much thought and for personal and family reasons, that I will not stand for selection or election when the next General Election comes.

“One of the most difficult factors for me to consider has been the loyalty of my comrades in Wrexham Constituency; Andrew, who has been a superb chair in recent years and my agent, Suzanne, who was steadfast in our excellent 2017 victory.

“However I do think it is time for Wrexham CLP, which I believe is a very strong local party, to choose someone else to win Wrexham for Labour next time,

“Thank you for all your support and loyalty and I will continue to serve the people of Wrexham to the best of my ability until the next election comes.”