Stockton North MP will step down at next general election
Alex Cunningham says the time will be right to step down from his role
Stockton North's MP says he plans to stand down at the next general election
Alex Cunningham has represented his constituency for almost 12 years.
Alex began his career as a journalist - working for the Darlington and Stockton times, the Hartlepool Mail and Radio Tees.
He's also served as a Councillor before becoming an MP in 2010.
He said:
“It has been the privilege of my life to represent the people of Stockton North as the Labour Member of Parliament for nearly 12 years – and I am grateful for the support from my friends across my community and the Party throughout that time.
“After more than 30 years in public life as first a local councillor, I’ve decided the next general election would be the right time for me to retire and hopefully do many of the other things I’ve never been able to fit in.
“Whilst I regret I was never given the opportunity to serve in a Labour Government, I will very much treasure my roles in Parliament, be that as a Shadow Minister in several guises, a champion for industry or as an advocate for the people of our area trying hard to represent them and address their individual problems.
“The service my team has provided over the years has been outstanding, and I am very proud of them knowing they have had to tackle some of the most difficult and often traumatic cases often providing not just action but genuine care for the people I represent. Without them, I couldn’t have done my job.
“It does however look as though I won’t be retiring anytime soon given the polls and rest assured, I will continue with the same energy and enthusiasm I always show doing the best job in the world.”