West Lancashire MP Rosie Cooper is to step down from her role, prompting a by-election in the constituency.
The Labour MP has revealed that she is resigning from the job, which she has held for 17 years after she was first elected in 2005. The 72-year-old politician is now set to take on a role as chairman of Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust, despite securing reselection to stand as West Lancashire MP for Labour at the next General Election.
In 2019, Neo-Nazi Jack Renshaw, from Skelmersdale, was jailed for life after admitting plotting to murder the MP. Ms Cooper said: "It has been an incredible honour and privilege to have served the people of West Lancashire for the last 17 years. I have loved every minute, even in the most difficult times.
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“I appreciate this will come as a surprise to many people having recently secured reselection to stand as West Lancashire's Labour Party candidate for the next general election. This was prior to the recruitment process for the Mersey Care position.
“The decision to apply for the role was taken after a considerable period of soul searching and reflection. The events I have faced over the last few years are well documented and undoubtedly have taken their toll.
“The National Health Service is one of my passions. Prior to entering Parliament, I had dedicated many years of service to the NHS and have been able to serve on the Health and Social Care Select Committee during my time as MP.
“To return to the NHS as Chairman of Mersey Care felt like the right opportunity at the right time. This appointment means I am unable to continue with my other passion of representing the people of West Lancashire as their MP, being their voice and fighting their corner as I have done since 2005.
“When I was first elected, I promised to be West Lancashire’s voice in Parliament, since then I have done my very best to deliver on that promise. Working together with people across the constituency, I believe we have achieved a lot. I am very proud that we have worked hard to solve the problems that my constituents have faced.
“There is no question I am very sad that my time in West Lancashire has come to an end. I will leave certain that I gave everything I had to this role which I love, and to people who have come to mean a great deal to me.
“To the residents of West Lancashire, I wish you the very best for the future and I will continue to take an interest from a distance. You have given me more than I can ever explain, and I want to thank you for the faith you placed in me to be able to serve you for 17 years.”
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