Workington Labour MP Sir Tony Cunningham MP to step down in 2015
The Labour MP for Workington has announced he will stand down at the next general election.
Sir Tony Cunningham, who was knighted two years ago, has represented the constituency since 2001.
The 61-year-old said he felt it was the right time to go and he planned to spent more time with his family.
Labour held the seat with a 4,575 majority in the last election and it will now begin a selection process for a candidate to defend it in May 2015.
Locally-born Sir Tony was a teacher, local councillor, then mayor of Workington and became an MEP in 1994.
Fellow Cumbrian MP Tim Farron, who holds the Westmorland and Lonsdale seat for the Liberal Democrats, tweeted: "Sorry to hear that Tony Cunningham has decided to stand down at the next election.
"He was a great MP & a kind, thoughtful and decent man."