Blears: A 'huge privilege' to represent the place I was born

“It is a huge privilege to represent the place where I was born, brought up and have lived all my life, so I have taken this decision with a heavy heart.

“I have been driven throughout my time as MP by a desire to improve people’s lives and ensure that Salford gets its fair share of resources and investment.

“No one person has a magic wand with which to do this, but I have worked hard alongside some fantastic leaders, organisations and residents and I feel that together we have really made a difference. [...]

“I would like to thank everyone who has supported me over the years"