Reid to quit as MP at next election

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After 20 years as a Labour MP, Mr Reid has informed his Airdrie and Shotts constituency party he will not be standing for re-election.

The 60-year-old stood down from the Cabinet alongside Tony Blair at the end of June, bringing the curtain down on a 10-year ministerial career taking in nine different jobs.

The last and most senior of his Government appointments was as Home Secretary, which he held for just over a year.

The MP told a meeting of Labour Party members in his constituency that it was time for him to move on.

In a letter to party members, Mr Reid said: "I am delighted that the renewal of Labour's fortunes now means that there is a very real prospect of a fourth term Labour Government.

"New party leadership at both Westminster and in Scotland has added fresh impetus to that prospect.

"Under these circumstances, I believe this is now an appropriate time for me to indicate my intention to stand down as an MP at the next general election.

"I remain enormously grateful for your continuing support, confidence and advice but it is now time to move on."

Mr Reid, renowned in Westminster as a staunch Blairite, added that he would continue to support the Labour Government "in any way I can".