MP: It's been an enormous privilege

Nick Raynsford said that he would like to extend his thanks and gratitude to all the people who had helped him during his time as MP for Greenwich and Woolwich.

He said:

"It has been an enormous privilege to represent this wonderful constituency, and I am proud of the advances which have been made over the past 20 years to improve the lives and prospects of local residents, strengthen the local economy and preserve and enhance our heritage and environment.

"I have also had the good fortune to contribute as a Government Minister between 1997 and 2005 to a series of measures which have improved the standard of public services and the quality of life for people throughout our country.

“We still face huge challenges, not least because of the harsh and damaging policies of the current Government, but I am confident, particularly if we return a Labour Government at the next General Election, that the future will be brighter._

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“As I will be 70 in 2015, I feel that will be the right time to stand aside. But I will continue to fulfil all my responsibilities in the meantime as MP for Greenwich and Woolwich and to be as available to constituents as I have endeavoured to be over the past 21 years.

"I will also work closely with whoever is chosen as my successor to secure a Labour victory at the next General Election.

“I have benefitted hugely from the support, advice and hard work of many people over the time I have been MP for Greenwich and Woolwich, and I would like to extend my sincere thanks to all of them. I owe them a huge debt of gratitude”.