This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28434479

The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Labour's Frank Dobson to quit as MP Labour's Frank Dobson to quit as MP
(34 minutes later)
Veteran Labour MP Frank Dobson has confirmed he will stand down at the general election next year.Veteran Labour MP Frank Dobson has confirmed he will stand down at the general election next year.
The former cabinet minister told a meeting of party members he would not seek re-election for a ninth time. Mr Dobson has represented Holborn and St Pancras in London since 1979.
The 74-year-old has represented Holborn and St Pancras in London since 1979. The former cabinet minister said he had "decided to pack in when people are stopping me in the street to say they hope I am not going."
He said: "I have decided to pack in when people are stopping me in the street to say they hope I am not going - rather than waiting until they ask why the hell I am still around." Labour leader Ed Miliband thanked Mr Dobson, describing him as "one of parliament's finest" and saying he "will be sorely missed".
'Better place''Better place'
Mr Dobson was made health secretary when Tony Blair swept to power in 1997.Mr Dobson was made health secretary when Tony Blair swept to power in 1997.
He then stood as Labour's candidate to be the first mayor of London in 2000 and returned to the backbenches after finishing third in the race.He then stood as Labour's candidate to be the first mayor of London in 2000 and returned to the backbenches after finishing third in the race.
From there, he spoke out against a number of Labour's policies, including the Iraq War and top-up fees for students.From there, he spoke out against a number of Labour's policies, including the Iraq War and top-up fees for students.
He said in a statement: "It has been an honour to represent the people of Holborn and St Pancras for all these years and to have made at least some contribution to making it a better place to live." Mr Dobson said in a statement: "It has been an honour to represent the people of Holborn and St Pancras for all these years and to have made at least some contribution to making it a better place to live."
A number of Labour MPs paid tribute to Mr Dobson, who secured a majority of almost 10,000 at the last general election. Wise words
Mr Miliband said: "Throughout his 35 years in parliament he has fought for many causes, most notably our NHS, including his time as Labour's first health secretary for 18 years, but he has always put the people of Holborn and St Pancras first.
"I will miss his friendship, his wise words and his sense of humour. "We wish Frank the very best. "
Labour MPs also paid tribute to Mr Dobson, who secured a majority of almost 10,000 at the last general election.
Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Ivan Lewis tweeted: "Frank Dobson falls into category 'they don't make them like that anymore'.Shadow Northern Ireland secretary Ivan Lewis tweeted: "Frank Dobson falls into category 'they don't make them like that anymore'.
And David Lammy described him as a "great guy and tireless campaigner".And David Lammy described him as a "great guy and tireless campaigner".