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A Labour MP who resigned last year as a PPS in protest at the behaviour of the attorney general has announced he will not contest the next general election.
Stephen Hesford has been the MP for Wirral West since 1997.
A criminal barrister, he was called to the Bar in 1981.
He resigned as parliamentary private secretary to solicitor general Vera Baird in September after it emerged that Baroness Scotland, the attorney general, would remain in office despite being fined £5,000 by the UK Border Agency for unknowingly employing an illegal worker as a cleaner.
Baroness Scotland claimed the fine was "like driving into the City and not paying the congestion charge".
As a Home Office minister she took the legislation which requires employers to keep records of staff proving they have the right to work in the UK through the Lords.
In a statement yesterday Hesford announced his decision to leave the Commons, citing "family reasons".
"I'm proud to have represented Wirral West since 1997," he said.
"I have seen the enormous difference that Labour has made to people's lives through improvements to the NHS, the minimum wage and investment in local schools.
"Wirral West Constituency Labour Party will now select a new candidate.
"They will maintain Labour's strong fight in Wirral West, campaigning for support for jobs, public services and local businesses.''
The seat is notionally Conservative at the next election as a result of minor boundary changes. In 2005 Hesford had a majority of 1,097.
TV presenter Esther McVey contested Wirral West in 2005 for the Tories and she is the party's candidate at the next election.
Hesford is the 126th MP to announce their retirement at the election - 80 from Labour, 35 Conservatives, seven Lib Dems, three independents and one each from Plaid Cymru and the SNP.
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Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd