Bradford West MP steps down

_ _The Labour MP has held the seat for fifteen years, making him the constituency's longest-serving Member of Parliament. But he's resigned on medical advice, after suffering serious health problems.

_ The 57 year-old said: _"This is a sad day for me. I have been extremely proud to represent the people of Bradford West for the last fifteen years. I'm passionate about Bradford; it is where I grew up and where my children were born, so it has been a great privilege to be asked by the electorate at four general elections to be their voice in Parliament.”

Labour leader Ed Miliband said: "He is a man who entered politics for all the right reasons - to make a positive difference to people's lives and to stand up for social justice in the community where he grew up. He will be missed greatly by his parliamentary colleagues."

And Bradford South MP Gerry Sutcliffe addded: "He has been ill in recent years and he did want to return.

"He did want to fight that illness. But sadly he's lost that battle and he's decided to take the doctor's advice and leave which is sad for him as an individual and sad for us because we're going to lose a good colleague."