The BBC reports that Stephen Hesford, Labour MP for Wirral West since 1997, has opted not to contest his seat at the general election.
He is citing "family reasons" for his decision.
It is the seat which businesswoman and former TV presenter, Esther McVey (pictured), will be contesting for the Conservatives for the second successive election.
According to the Rallings and Thrasher projection, the seat would have returned a Conservative MP at the last general election with a majority of a little over 500, if it had been fought under the new boundaries which are about to come into effect.
Jonathan Isaby
> Yesterday's Seats and candidates: Another Labour minister in a key marginal seat opts to quit at the general election
