A POPULAR and respected MP who has served the communities of Frodsham and Helsby for 13 years has been forced to step down because of a chronic heart condition.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Hall announced that he will not stand for a fourth consecutive election and will focus on making a full recovery.

“It has been an enormous honour and privilege to serve as a Member of Parliament for Weaver Vale since 1997,” said Mike.

“My wife Lesley and I want to thank the people of Weaver Vale for the wonderful support we have been given.

“We have made many friends and we will always cherish the great memories we have of serving this wonderful constituency.”

Mike revealed that he suffers from a minor but chronic heart condition called paroxysmal atrial fibrillation which he managed using medication.

Last summer the medication started to become less effective and Mike has been subjected to frequent bouts of the illness leaving him unable to drive or work effectively during each episode.

After a change in his medication did not work, Mike underwent pulmonary vein isolation radio therapy ablation surgery to correct his irregular heart beat at the end of January.

Initially the results of the surgery were promising but his heart once again started to beat very irregularly.

“I had very much hoped that I would once again carry the flag for Labour and win Weaver Vale at the coming general election leading from the front with vigour and total commitment,” he added.

“However, I now face the prospect of having further surgery in three months time, not knowing if I am going to be able to play an effective role from now until polling day.

“I have taken great pride in the work I have done for my constituents and I know this has been greatly appreciated. “We have achieved a great deal together.”

During Mike’s tenure as Weaver Vale MP he has been responsible for major benefits locally and nationally, including getting the Government to repay £355 million taken from the National Bus Pension Fund pensioners by the previous Tory government, new medical facilities on Windmill Hill, tax exemptions for scouts, guides, community sports halls and other community facilities, and securing £38 million from our government to fill and stabilise the Northwich Town Centre salt mines.

Fellow Labour MP Andrew Miller of Ellesmere Port and Neston said: “I have known Mike for many years and throughout he has worked extremely hard, both as a councillor and as an MP, doing his best for local people.

“A commitment to the values of the Labour Party has always been at the centre of his work and he has changed the lives of many people he has helped during his 13 years in Parliament.

“He has also been at the forefront of many significant projects locally.

“I know that his health has been troubling him for some time so I wish him well in his retirement and hope he makes a full recovery without the burdens that being an MP brings with it.”