Crosby Labour MP Claire Curtis-Thomas to stand down at general election

Oct 7 2009

Crosby Labour MP Claire Curtis-Thomas (158)

MP Claire Curtis-Thomas is to stand down at the general election after 12 years representing the area.

Ms Curtis Thomas has written to Prime Minister Gordon Brown explaining that it is with “great regret” that she is to stand down.

She also highlight that making up her mind was “never an easy decision”.

Ms Curtis Thomas, 51, was seen as one of the Blair Babes when 96 female Labour MPs stood alongside the then new Prime Minister Tony Blair on the steps of Church House in Westminster in May 1997.

She was elected to the House of Commons at her first attempt at the 1997 General Election.

Her letter to Number 10 in full, reads: “The sense of privilege and pride I have felt as the Member of Parliament for Crosby for the past 12 years hardly needs stating.

“It is my home; its people have become my friends; its history and heritage I have learnt to admire, appreciate and cherish.

“Above all the sense of honour I have felt in representing the community I love has brought great warmth and meaning to my life.