Sir Michael Lord, a Conservative MP since 1983, has announced today that he will step down as Member of Parliament for Central Suffolk and Ipswich North at the next General Election. He has been removed from the cut and thrust of party politics since 1997, serving since then as a Deputy Speaker of the Commons, and was an unsuccessful candidate to replace Michael Martin in June.
He said:
"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as a Member of Parliament and considered it a huge privilege and honour to have served the people in Suffolk. I will be sad to retire but feel that now is the right time to make the announcement to allow my successor to be selected and become known to the constituents of Central Suffolk and North Ipswich.
"When I leave the House of Commons I will particularly miss my constituency work which I have always found extremely rewarding and which has enabled me to help thousands of my constituents over the years. Finally, I would like to offer my sincere thanks and gratitude to my Conservative Association, Officers, Staff and members who have supported me so steadfastly throughout my years as their Member of Parliament."
He bequeaths a notional majority of 7,786 to his successor as Conservative candidate in the constituency.
Jonathan Isaby
