LABOUR’S Stephen Hesford has become the latest Merseyside MP to stand down – citing “family reasons” for his decision.

The Wirral West politician announced he would not be standing in the highly marginal constituency at the next general election.

Wirral West is one of the Conservatives’ top targets at the general election.

Mr Hesford beat Tory Esther McVey by 1,097 votes in 2005, and Ms McVey is again the Conservative candidate this time round.

However, boundary changes to the constituency mean the seat has a slight “notional Conservative majority” going into the next election.

Mr Hesford said: “I am proud to have represented Wirral West since 1997.

“I have seen the enormous difference Labour has made.”

The 52-year-old MP, who was a barrister before entering politics, said he was stepping down for family reasons.

He said: “Wirral West Constituency Labour Party will now select a new candidate.

“They will maintain Labour's strong fight in Wirral West, campaigning for support for jobs, public services and local businesses.”

Last September the MP stood down as an aide to Attorney General Baroness Scotland over her breach of immigration law, opposing her remaining in office.

He said it was an “old-fashioned point of principle” in the wake of revelations that the chief legal officer had employed a housemaid who did not have permission to work in the UK.

Mr Hesford also played a leading role opposing Wirral Council over its plans – later withdrawn – to close libraries across the borough, giving evidence at the inquiry into the proposed closures and seeking a review by the Local Government Ombudsman.

Last night David Kirwan, a Wirral councillor who announced last year he will be challenging as an independent for the West Wirral seat, said he was surprised.

He added he believed the decision to step down left the contest “wide open”.

Ms McVey was not available to comment.