Pudsey MP Paul Truswell will stand down at the next election after 12 years in Parliament.

The Labour MP was elected in 1997 and said it had been an “honour and privilege” to represent the area and the decision was not taken lightly.

He said: “We all have to deal with life’s many problems, but my recent traumatic car crash, for which I am still receiving medical attention, has come on top of a period when I have found it increasingly difficult to undertake my heavy workload as an MP and to cope with a succession of family and personal issues, including illness, bereavement and caring responsibilities.

“I have reluctantly come to the conclusion that I do not at this time have the physical and mental stamina to fulfil both of the hugely demanding roles of MP and parliamentary candidate in the run up to the next General Election.”

Jamie Hanley, chairman of Pudsey Labour Party, said while the news would be a shock, everyone would understand the reasons behind the decision.

He said: “Paul has been a magnificent local MP and is very well respected. The work that Paul has undertaken during the past 12 years as our MP has been outstanding.

“He has helped many thousands of local people and his contribution to our politics, both locally and nationally, has been very significant.”