Coventry Kid Mo Mowlam is to stand down as an MP,
it has been announced today.
The former head girl at Coundon Court School has
been in the news after allegations that machinery in the Labour Party
was trying to push her out of the front line.
She was shadow Ulster spokesman from 1994 until
the general election in 1997, when she took on the role of Northern
Ireland secretary until 1999 when Peter Mandelson took over.
She has been outspoken in her support for the end
of the monarchy in the UK, suggesting the Royals should leave
Buckingham Palace and later suggesting Britain should become a
republic.
Dr Mowlam has been MP for Redcar in the North
East since 1987. She is likely to stay on in the Cabinet until the
next general election, set to be held next year.
She is writing her autobiography which could lift
the lid on her time in the Cabinet.
Her mother Tina lived in Coventry until her death
in the last year.
Outlining her reasons for standing down, Dr
Mowlam said today:
"This is a personal
decision for me. It is one that I have been considering for some
time, and have previously discussed with the Prime Minister.
"I have decided not to
stand because I have several years of my working life left and want
to do something different before I finally retire.
"I have been looking at
a number of different options to continue to pursue my many
interests, including in international affairs, conflict resolution
and poverty.
"My commitment to the
Government and the Labour Party is as strong as ever. Between now
and the General Election I will continue to fight for the election
of a Labour government.
"I
have worked for the Labour Party all my life and I'm very proud to
be part of all that this Government stands for and has achieved for
the people of this country."
"This is a personal
decision for me. It is one that I have been considering for some
time, and have previously discussed with the Prime Minister.
"I have decided not to
stand because I have several years of my working life left and want
to do something different before I finally retire.
"I have been looking at
a number of different options to continue to pursue my many
interests, including in international affairs, conflict resolution
and poverty.
"My commitment to the
Government and the Labour Party is as strong as ever. Between now
and the General Election I will continue to fight for the election
of a Labour government.
"I
have worked for the Labour Party all my life and I'm very proud to
be part of all that this Government stands for and has achieved for
the people of this country."
