A WIRRAL MP has announced they will be standing down temporarily while undergoing surgery.

Birkenhead MP Mick Whitley announced today (Tuesday, April 16) that he would not be returning to parliament while he undergoes hip replacement surgery.

The MP’s weekly constituency surgeries will be suspended from April 30.

In a statement posted on social media, the labour MP said: “This month, I am scheduled to undergo hip replacement surgery in preparation for surgery, and on my doctors’ recommendation I have not returned to parliament following the conclusion of Easter recess.

“I have also been advised that I will need to take time to convalesce following the operation.

“This means from April 30, I will be temporarily suspending my constituency surgeries in addition to being absent from parliament.

“I look forward to resuming my full responsibilities as Birkenhead MP as soon as I have been advised that I am fit to do so.

“During this time, my team will continue to support any constituents in need of assistance by email and telephone. My office phone lines are open 9am-5pm Tuesday to Friday.”

Mr Whitley has served as Birkenhead MP since 2019 when he defeated former Labour MP Frank Field who ran as an independent candidate under the banner of the Birkenhead Social Justice Party.

The 2023 Periodic Review of Westminster constituencies meant he was challenged by Wirral South MP Alison McGovern for the Labour selection for Birkenhead for the next general election and was deselected.