MP Sylvia Heal quitting seat

Labour MP Sylvia Heal today announced that she will stand down at the next election.

Mrs Heal, aged 67, who has represented Halesowen and Rowley Regis, said she could not continue to work "12 to 14 hour days".

She became an MP in 1997 and said it was a "great privilege" to be in the role.

She is also the deputy speaker of the House of Commons and a former Mid Staffordshire MP.

She said: "After considerable thought and agonising I have decided not to seek re-election."