Luff to retire after next election

Buy photos » Mid-Worcestershire MP, Peter Luff.

EVESHAM'S MP Peter Luff has announced he will stand down at the next election after more than two decades in Parliament.

Mr Luff confirmed the news today (Wednesday) and said he intended to leave his Mid-Worcestershire seat at the next General Election which is expected to be held in 2015.

In a statement, he said it had been an 'immense privilege' to serve the people of Worcestershire since he was first elected as Conservative MP for Worcester in 1992.

He became MP for Mid-Worcestershire in 1997 following a boundary review and has been comfortably re-elected at five successive general elections.

"To the people of Worcestershire who have elected me, I say thank you. Together we have achieved some great things.

"Working with communities, voluntary groups and local councils we have, for example, seen the re-opening of the Droitwich Canals and of the Regal Cinema in Evesham.

"We have achieved a significant redoubling of the Cotswold railway line, saved Evesham hospital from closure, got the Wyre Piddle by-pass built, tamed the A449 between Claines and Kidderminster and done so much more.

"To see the enthusiasm and passion that the people involved have bought to these and other challenges has been wonderful," he added.

Mr Luff paid tribute to Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council and hailed them as 'two of the best councils in the country'.

"In the two and half years that remain to me as a Member of Parliament, we have more to achieve together and more battles to win," he added.

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