Veteran MP Paul Flynn to stand down after 31 years due to health reasons

Veteran Labour MP Paul Flynn has announced he intends to stand down due to health reasons.

Mr Flynn, aged 83, has been in Parliament for 31 years. He briefly served as shadow leader of the Commons and shadow Welsh secretary in 2016.

The Newport West MP said: "I'll wait for a convenient time to go.

"By-elections are expensive and can be troublesome for the party.

"I don't think this Government can last for more than a few months, anyway".

Asked about his time in Parliament, Mr Flynn said: "I've loved every minute of it. It's been a great, wonderful experience. I lasted 31 years".

Mr Flynn has been a strong advocate for the medicinal use of cannabis.

UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has thanked Mr Flynn "for his dedicated service to the people of Newport West".

He added: "From the backbenches to the Shadow Cabinet, his commitment, grace and humour shone through."

First Minister Carwyn Jones described him as a "tireless campaigner against inequality".