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Peter Hain to stand down as MP for Neath
The long serving MP for Neath, Peter Hain, has announced he will stand down as the constituency's Member of Parliament at next year's general election.
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Peter Hain to stand down as Neath MP
The long standing MP for Neath Peter Hain has announced he will stand down from his position at the next general election.
The 64-year-old will look for a new role within the Labour party following talks with leader Ed Miliband.
Hain though remained tight lipped on the prospect on becoming a member of the House of Lords.
Tom Sheldrick reports:
Peter Hain 'to play a different role' - but won't say what
Peter Hain has told ITV News he will "play a different role" in politics after he steps down as MP for Neath next year, but refused to say what that role would be.
The 64-year-old former Welsh Secretary said he had made his decision to leave the House of Commons after discussion with Labour leader Ed Miliband.
Mr Hain said he will "continue to be active in politics", supporting Labour and Neath.
Asked whether he would become a member of the House of Lords, he said: "I'm not talking about any particular role I might perform."
Mr Hain told our reporter Tom Sheldrick that his early work in fighting apartheid, delivering extra powers for the Welsh Assembly and helping secure a political settlement as Northern Ireland Secretary were "the things I feel most proud about".
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Neath's Constituency Labour Party pay tribute to Peter Hain's service
Neath's Constituency Labour Party has paid tribute to Mr Hain's service.
In a statement it said:
Peter Hain to stand down as Neath MP
Peter Hain has announced he will stand down as the Labour MP for Neath at next year's general election.
The former Cabinet minister said he had "decided to draw stumps" on his Commons career following a series of discussions with Ed Miliband.
Mr Miliband praised the Neath MP for his integrity, wisdom and tireless work for the country and said he would be sorely missed.
During his lengthy career, he served in the cabinet under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, with stints as Welsh secretary, Northern Ireland secretary, work and pensions secretary and leader of the Commons.
Mr Hain had been reselected to fight for the 2015 election for Neath, but said he would now find 'new ways' to be involved in politics.