Andrew Miller MP has announced that after a lot of thought he has decided to stand down at the next election.

He has represented Ellesmere Port and Neston since 1992 , when he took the constituency for Labour after the sitting Tory MP Mike Woodcock retired.

Mr Miller said: “It has been an enormous privilege to represent Ellesmere Port and Neston since 1992 as well as serving the Labour Party in that role so it has been a tough decision to take.

“Over the next couple of months, the Labour Party will start the process of democratically selecting a candidate to stand in Ellesmere Port and Neston and I will work with that person to help them get to know the many people and organisations that have made my tenure so enjoyable.

“I thank those people from the bottom of my heart for their friendship and support through the good times and through rocky waters. The great delight with hindsight is that list is simply too long to name."

Mr Miller reflected he has served under five Labour leaders - Neil Kinnock, John Smith, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and Ed Miliband - who he said  "will become the next Prime Minister."

He continued: “The party is changing reflecting the world in which we now live, but there are some constants.

“It is 50 years since Harold Wilsons' ‘white heat of technology’ speech, and five years later I joined the Labour Party, in 1968.

“I want to continue to work on the big science issues that I see as crucial to both the UK and our local economy, particularly in trying to grow the science base in projects like the exciting development at the Thornton Research Centre, which I believe creates a wonderful opportunity for us.

“Locally, I hope I have been of service to my constituents both individually and collectively.

“Individual casework can range from a single letter through to global campaigns for justice and I have been involved in many that will stay with me for the rest of my life.

“Collectively, helping to secure the future of Vauxhall, the Thornton project or helping to create the Pension Protection Fund following the collapse of HH Robertsons have all been significant.

“I want particularly to say a big thank-you to the people who have worked for me, both lay members of the party and my staff, and especially to my family for making this extraordinary period of my life possible.”

In Parliament, Mr Miller has served on several select committees.

In 2010, he was confirmed as the first chairman of the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee to be elected by all members of the House.

In 2005, he became chairman of the Regulatory Reform Committee.

In 1997, he championed the case of Cheshire nanny Louise Woodward, who was convicted of killing a baby in her care in Boston. 

The court case was televised across the globe.

She was found guilty of  second degree murder of eight-month-old Matthew Eappen and was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

But on appeal the charge was later reduced to involuntary manslaughter and Louise was freed after 279 days.

She always maintained her innocence, her protests backed by medical experts.