I learn that John Perry - who was selected for Dudley North in September 2007 - has decided to stand down for personal and health reasons. I have asked the association chairman if he can provide a statement, so I will add any further information as and when I get it.
The seat is held for Labour by Ian Austin, one of Gordon Brown's inner circle of trusted advisers, and whoever replaces John Perry as Conservative candidate will be seeking to overturn a notional Labour majority of a little over 4,000.
Jonathan Isaby
