North Durham MP Kevan Jones will not stand at the upcoming general election.
The immensely popular former Cabinet Minister, who has spent 23 years serving the people of the North Durham constituency, took the difficult decision not to run as candidate as he is due to undergo surgery and treatment for an ongoing condition, making it impossible to fight an election campaign.
Kevan said:
“I know from being a Minister in the last Labour Government the difference a Labour Government will make to our country. Under Keir Starmer’s leadership we are now in a position to once again provide a genuine alternative to the destructive and negative Conservative Government we have had for the last 14 years. Our main aim now is to get that Labour Government elected, which this country desperately needs.
“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. 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.”
County Durham Labour Leader, Cllr Carl Marshall, said:
“It has been an honour and privilege to work closely with Kevan since I first entered politics as a raw but enthusiastic 21 year-old councillor. He has been more than a colleague, Kevan has been a mentor, confidant, supporter and a trusted friend. His civic leadership and passion for the North Durham constituency will be sorely missed.
“Kevan is a true champion for our communities – not many MPs are loved by their constituents, but Kevan is. In Government, he served with distinction as Defence Minister, member of the Defence Select Committee, Intelligence and Security Committee, was Vice President of NATO Parliamentary Assembly, and a Commonwealth War Graves Commissioner.
“He fought hard on issues like the plight of miners’ compensation, the rights of WASPI women, the injustices faced by sub-postmasters – a wrong that is only now being addressed – and has been fierce advocate for mental health awareness. Kevan is a great MP, a great man and a great friend. I wish him a speedy recovery from his condition and nothing but happiness and contentment for the future.”