Reid to step down at next poll

Mr Reid has held some of the most high-profile government posts

Former home secretary John Reid has announced that he will quit Westminster at the next general election.

After 20 years as a Labour MP, Mr Reid informed his Airdrie and Shotts constituency party that he would not be seeking re-election.

The 60-year-old stood down from the Cabinet alongside Tony Blair in June.

He used the announcement to criticise the Human Rights Act, writing in the News of the World it was hindering the UK's fight against crime and terrorism.

Mr Reid called for a review of human rights laws at a "British and European level".

He said: "Too often we are fighting crime and terrorism with one hand behind our back."

He pointed to the recent ruling that the Home Office could not deport the killer of teacher Phillip Lawrence and European rulings against the expulsion of terrorist suspects.

Moving on

Mr Reid has had a distinguished 10-year ministerial career, taking in nine different jobs.

The last and most senior of his government appointments was home secretary, which he held for just over a year.

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

I would like to thank him for all he has done over the years for the party nationally and locally Brian Brady Chairman of Airdrie and Shotts Labour Party

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."

Continued support

Mr Reid said he would "continue to support the Labour Government in any way I can".

The exact timing of Mr Reid's departure from the Commons depends on when Prime Minister Gordon Brown decides to call an election.

Brian Brady, chairman of Labour's Airdrie and Shotts constituency party, said members were disappointed at Mr Reid's decision to stand down, but they understood why he wanted to call it a day.

"I would like to thank him for all he has done over the years for the party nationally and locally," he added.