Patricia Hewitt MP announced on Tuesday that she would not be standing again for re-election in Leicester West at the next General Election.

She said: “This has been a very difficult decision to make, but after talking it through with my family I have decided that by the next election this will be the right thing to do for me and my family.” 

Ms Hewitt also said that she wants to spend more time on work and charitable activities related to India.  Next month she takes over as chair of the UK India Business Council and is also involved in the Delhi based charity, Katha.

Ms Hewitt stressed that she will continue to help and make representations on behalf of her constituents in Leicester West until the General Election, when she will ceas being a Member of Parliament.