Ruth Kelly to stand down as MP

Friday, 3 October 2008 12:00 AM

Transport secretary Ruth Kelly has said she will stand down as an MP after the next general election.

Ms Kelly told a Labour supporters' meeting in her Bolton West constituency that it had been an "honour and a privilege" to serve the constituency since she was elected in 1997.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed serving the people of my constituency and intend to continue to keep working diligently for them until the next general election," she said.

"I've taken the area to my heart and will leave with a touch of sadness and fond memories, although I'm sure the decision I have taken is right for myself and my family."

The 40-year-old had already announced her plans to leave the Cabinet to spend more time with her family.

Reports of her resignation leaked out in the early hours of the morning after Gordon Brown's speech to the Labour conference in Manchester last month.

The prime minister and Ms Kelly repeatedly stated that her decision to leave was due to personal reasons and her desire to spend more time with her four children.

There has been considerable speculation over the timing of her resignation, however, given the fact it happened just as Mr Brown attempted to quash speculation about a leadership challenge.

It was also previously suggested that Ms Kelly, a devout Catholic, may leave over objections to the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill.

Ms Kelly was made the education secretary in 2004, before becoming communities secretary and then finally moving to department for transport in 2007.

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• labour
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• party politics
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• transport