EALING Southall MP Virendra Sharma has confirmed he won't seek re-election this summer.  He's now aged 77 and was first elected in 2007.

Mr Sharma, who had a majority of 16,084 at the last election, said in his resignation letter he was proud of what he had achieved and valued the vibrancy and unity of the community.

Ealing Southall comprises Greenford, West Ealing, Hanwell, Northfields and Southall.

He told supporters: “As a British-Indian and as a Hindu, as a Labour member, councillor and MP, I have never struggled to reconcile those different but complementary identities.

“Over nearly 50 years, I have served the party in one form or  another. Now, I believe the time has come for another chapter to begin.”

He wished his successor – who is yet to be named – the best of luck in the most amazing job they would ever have.