FORMER Warrington MP Mike Hall is to stand down at the next General Election for health reasons.
Mr Hall, who lives in Warrington and was formerly leader of Warrington Borough Council, has been an MP for 18 years. He is suffering from a heart condition.
He entered Parliament in 1992 when he won the Warrington South seat from the Conservatives and since 1997 has served as MP for the neighbouring Weaver Vale constituency.
The MP (pictured) said he was reluctant to stand down but hoped it would give him the best chance of recovery. He said it was an “enormous honour and privilege” to serve as an MP.
He took “great pride” in the work he has done for constituents and knows that it has been appreciated.
“I was especially pleased to have been instrumental in getting the new Labour Government to repay £355 million taken from the National Bus Pension Fund pensioners by the previous Tory government,” he said.
He was also pleased with successful campaigns to get new medical facilities opened, tax exemptions for community groups and facilities, and securing £38 million from the Government to fill and stabilise the Northwich Town Centre salt mines.
For the past 18 years Mr Hall has suffered from a condition called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) – which has been successfully managed by medication.
Last July medication became less effective and he has been subjected to frequent bouts of AF leaving him unable to drive or work effectively during each episode.
A change in medication did not work. On January 22 he underwent pulmonary vein isolation radio therapy ablation surgery to correct his irregular heart beat.
Initially results were promising, but then his heart started to beat very irregularly leaving him feeling uncomfortable, breathless, and unable to work.
He said: “I had very much hoped that I would once again carry the flag for Labour and win Weaver Vale at the coming General Election, leading from the front with vigour and total commitment.
“However, I now face the prospect of having further surgery in three months’ time, not knowing if I am going to be able to play an effective role from now until polling day.
“My wife Lesley and I want to thank the people of Weaver Vale for the wonderful support we have been given. We have made many friends and we will always cherish the great memories we have of serving this wonderful constituency.”
