Peter Luff to quit as MP

10:34am Wednesday 5th September 2012 in News By Tom Edwards

Peter Luff to quit as an MP Peter Luff to quit as an MP

MID-WORCESTERSHIRE MP Peter Luff is to quit parliament at the next General Election, it has emerged.

Mr Luff, who stepped down from his junior defence minister's job in yesterday's Cabinet reshuffle, has announced he is walking away from the seat he has held since 1992.

He said it was "an immense privilege" being an MP but that it was "the right time to walk away".

He told David Cameron, during a 15-minute converation in the commons yesterday, he was quitting, and they agreed he would stop being a minister.

"It would not be fair for me to carry on in that role, bearing in mind I've said I'm stepping down," he said.

A statement on his website reads:

I am today announcing my decision to continue as your MP only until the next election when I will stand down as Member of Parliament for Mid Worcestershire. It has been an immense privilege to serve the county of Worcestershire in Parliament - for twenty three years by the time the next election is held in 2015.

To the people of Worcestershire who have elected me at five successive general elections, I say thank you. Together we have achieved some great things. Working with communities, voluntary groups and local councils we have, for example, fought off plans for a major asylum centre at Throckmorton and an eco-town at Long Marston, seen the re-opening of the Droitwich Canals and of the Regal Cinema in Evesham, achieved a significant redoubling of the Cotswold railway line, saved Evesham hospital from closure, got the Wyre Piddle by-pass built, tamed the A449 between Claines and Kidderminster and done so much more.

To see the enthusiasm and passion that the people involved have bought to these and other challenges has been wonderful.

It has also been a privilege to work alongside two of the very best councils in the country – Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council. In the two and half years that remain to me as a Member of Parliament, we have more to achieve together and more battles to win.

My work as defence equipment minister since the least election has been immensely rewarding and encouraging. To work with the finest our country has to offer, the men and women of our armed forces, has been inspirational. The civil servants of the MoD, so often and wrongly derided, that make their work possible have also been superb. To all of them, I express my deep appreciation.

My wife Julia has run my office throughout this time and she and I want to say a particularly big thank you to the warm hearted and generous constituents with whom we have worked. The gratitude and support you have so often offered to us has been greatly appreciated.

In particular I want to thank the local members of my Party, who have worked so hard to support me and the Conservative cause. It is fashionable to deride politicians and the political process, but I believe there is no nobler cause than the representation of the people in democratically elected institutions – at parish or town, district, county, national and European level. It is the tireless work of the foot soldiers of the main political parties that ensures this happens. Our next challenge, of course, is the election of our Police and Crime Commissioner in November.

There is much more I could say, and many more people I should thank, I am sure. For now I say simply that there is still more work to be done both locally and nationally and I look forward to doing it. The Coalition government is grappling with huge challenges, the scale of which is only just becoming clear. David Cameron and his ministers will enjoy my robust support as they address them with the determination and energy I know they will demonstrate. We need to be ruthlessly focussed on growth, to remain outward looking as a country, and to work hard for fairness in all we do. This is the agenda of the government and one I will do all I can to help in the future.

Comments(28)

More Tea Vicar says...
12:11pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Good for him.

Interesting he mentions previous achievements as including fighting off the Labour loopy idea of the 'eco town' at Long Marston.

Pity he doesn't mention what his Tory party party is doing to Worcestershire with the Development Plan and the incinerator.

Sorry, Mr Luff, both are very much YOUR and your party's responsibility.

Maybe you are resigning to avoid the fall out? I wonder if Mr Walker will stand again....

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Endconreignforever says...
2:22pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Can i just say..a few less conservative MPs we have in this country the better. I had to get that out.

I fail to see anything great that this man has bought to Worcester. Lets hope that a new generation can bring some modernity and life into the faithful city. Loving the HIVE, the new ARENA and Worcester University. How amazing an Eco Village would have been for rural communities shame on you MR Luff and hope you enjoy your retirment while so many young families are left struggling due to your parties economic policies. Change is inevitable and lets hope your party isn't in government for much longer.

Kind Regards

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Samboy says...
2:35pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I see the boot boys are the first in as usual. Our thanks should go to Mr Luff who has been a steadfast and reliable member for his constituency for 20 years.None of the mud which has flown at M.P.'s (particularly expenses) has landed in his direction and whilst not a rebel he has stood his corner when he has disagreed with his party's policies. Enjoy your retirement sir.

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denon says...
3:37pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I doubt if someone as active as Mr Luff will have time to retire.

I am sure he will continue to serve Mid Worcstershire residents energetically to the end of the Parliament.

Thank you Peter

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denon says...
3:40pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I should also have said well done to his wife Julia for all the hardwork she puts in to help residents across mid Worcestershire

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Dickie of Dodderhill says...
3:50pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Peter Luff is a hard working MP.

I have voted for him as an individual rather than the party he represents.

Politics and the House of Commons would be a much more respected institution if there were a few more people of his calibre and commitment

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dulon says...
3:58pm Wed 5 Sep 12

This photo reminds me of a Harry Enfield character by the name of Tim ....something ?

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More Tea Vicar says...
4:07pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Samboy wrote:
I see the boot boys are the first in as usual. Our thanks should go to Mr Luff who has been a steadfast and reliable member for his constituency for 20 years.None of the mud which has flown at M.P.'s (particularly expenses) has landed in his direction and whilst not a rebel he has stood his corner when he has disagreed with his party's policies. Enjoy your retirement sir.
But it is massively hypocritical of him to claim success in fighting off Labour's loopy plans to pave over the county, then stand idly by while his own party inflicts the SWDP and the incinerator on us.

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skychip says...
4:10pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Too true to above comment, thought this Government would try and preserve the countryside, but they seem keen to pave it all over.

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Rentie says...
4:14pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Good riddance to bad rubbish. Perhaps he can talk Harriet Baldwin into standing down too?

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More Tea Vicar says...
4:48pm Wed 5 Sep 12

skychip wrote:
Too true to above comment, thought this Government would try and preserve the countryside, but they seem keen to pave it all over.
yes, I remember them making a big deal about opposing the last lots loopy, centrally imposed, building plans.

Sounds like the Tories are even worse.

And they are such outright liars. They campaigned against Labour's plans. Look on their own website, and you see NO MENTION of their own plans.

In short, one of the very few good reaons to vote Tory was based on a lie.

So, sorry Mr Luff, but good riddance. I hope Walker and Baldwin take the same hint and do the same thing.

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Guy66 says...
5:32pm Wed 5 Sep 12

What a shame most of the comments are from individuals unable to achieve anything other than slate those who do contribute to a better area!

Sad to see a dedicated supporter for the region step down and hope the next candidate is capable of filling the gap.

Thank you for all your hard work Peter.

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Grumbleweed Connection says...
5:48pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I do not share Peter Luff's politics, but I have had reasons to consult him in the past. I was left with the impression of someone who had the best interests of his constituents at heart, and his motivation went beyond the restraints of a party political agenda. I wish him well for the future.

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Peter Luff MP says...
5:57pm Wed 5 Sep 12

More Tea Vicar wrote:
Samboy wrote: I see the boot boys are the first in as usual. Our thanks should go to Mr Luff who has been a steadfast and reliable member for his constituency for 20 years.None of the mud which has flown at M.P.'s (particularly expenses) has landed in his direction and whilst not a rebel he has stood his corner when he has disagreed with his party's policies. Enjoy your retirement sir.
But it is massively hypocritical of him to claim success in fighting off Labour's loopy plans to pave over the county, then stand idly by while his own party inflicts the SWDP and the incinerator on us.
Thank you Samboy and as for More Tea Vicar I simply draw his attention to this phrase in my statement " ... we have more to achieve together and more battles to win". Watch this space.

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Peter Luff MP says...
6:17pm Wed 5 Sep 12

And thank you to all the anonymous individuals who have expressed themselves in such generous terms - Julia and I really appreciate it.

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More Tea Vicar says...
6:21pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Peter Luff MP wrote:
More Tea Vicar wrote:
Samboy wrote: I see the boot boys are the first in as usual. Our thanks should go to Mr Luff who has been a steadfast and reliable member for his constituency for 20 years.None of the mud which has flown at M.P.'s (particularly expenses) has landed in his direction and whilst not a rebel he has stood his corner when he has disagreed with his party's policies. Enjoy your retirement sir.
But it is massively hypocritical of him to claim success in fighting off Labour's loopy plans to pave over the county, then stand idly by while his own party inflicts the SWDP and the incinerator on us.
Thank you Samboy and as for More Tea Vicar I simply draw his attention to this phrase in my statement " ... we have more to achieve together and more battles to win". Watch this space.
Well, on its own, that is utterly meaningless. If you mean that you are going to fight the incinerator and the SWDP, you had your opportunity to say so.

I am bitterly disappointed at the local Tories, for their criticism of Labour's plans prior to the election, which they seem to have gone back on completely, and not even had the honesty to acknowledge it.

You would not know, from your or Robin Walker's site, that there was an SW Development Plan, being pursued by your party, your government.

And all credit to you for opposing the incinerator, but again, it's your party, at local and national level, so it's your responsibility.

Obviously if you are about to 'come out' as it were, then all credit to you. Bit late in the day though, isn't it?

And even here, in your posting, you seem to have chosen be a little, well, delphic, if that's the right word.

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Maggie Would says...
8:31pm Wed 5 Sep 12

Grumbleweed Connection wrote:
I do not share Peter Luff's politics, but I have had reasons to consult him in the past. I was left with the impression of someone who had the best interests of his constituents at heart, and his motivation went beyond the restraints of a party political agenda. I wish him well for the future.
I second that. I don't necessarily share his politics either, but I have contacted him on more than one occasion on a subject that I have an interest in. His replies have always been prompt and helpful and if he isn't available his wife has always replied on his behalf.
I don't think I could ask for better representation in what is a safe Tory seat.
Good luck Peter.

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Ctrl Alt Del says...
9:01pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I remember when he was a prospective MP fo the Worcester constituency. For months on end on an almost daily basis he bombarded the local press with his thoughts on all sorts of issues, clearly this approach worked and he got elected. All then was fine and dandy untill it became clear the seat may not be as secure as once thought, at that point he bailed out for a safer seat with not a second thought for the constituents he was once so desperate to represent. Smacks of self interest to me but that's politicians for you!

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anarchist says...
9:12pm Wed 5 Sep 12

I also remember Peter's move from Worcester to a safer seat.

And I fear that history might repeat itself with Robin Walker also moving to safer territory.

Which would be a great pity in my view.

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mayall8808 says...
7:43am Thu 6 Sep 12

I do not share Peter Luff's politics, but I have had reasons to consult him in the past.
Mr Luff was excellent at getting the old Whittington school modernised some years ago and a great supporter of the Head injury/Headway centers in getting them set up to support people who had major road accidents, strokes, etc.
Pity his government is now cutting back funding that supports all this now.
Mr Walker is not fit to walk in his shoes as far as i am concerned as he is all hot air.
Good luck to Peter Luff and a thank you to his wife who really has supported him.

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Bushi says...
2:46pm Thu 6 Sep 12

anarchist wrote:
I also remember Peter's move from Worcester to a safer seat.

And I fear that history might repeat itself with Robin Walker also moving to safer territory.

Which would be a great pity in my view.
You may have something there anarchist. Robin Walker seems well liked in Westminster and I would think the Tories would like to keep him around. Could be Mr Luff's replacement then

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mayall8808 says...
8:30am Fri 7 Sep 12

Westminster likes a yes man.
That is not a representative of his constituency, like i said before lots of talk no action.

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pronstar says...
11:09pm Fri 7 Sep 12

Hi Peter Luff is just great don't you think?

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Hack says...
8:39am Sat 8 Sep 12

I have had professional contact with Peter Luff going back many years. He has always struck me as the quiet Tory, with a focus on constituency business. My last dealings were a handful of years back and was linked to his strong focus and passion for an effective railway service to Evesham, Pershore. He recognised there was no magic wand but his persistence as a user of the line to London received respect from those charged with maintaining our railways. He was a critic, but a realistic one. I wish him well and also Julia who capably handled his front of house.

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crackerjack381 says...
11:09am Sat 8 Sep 12

He as done well off the taxpayers backs you all have short memories.he must have his application form in for a job in the EU.

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ctpulley says...
7:09pm Sun 9 Sep 12

He has done NOTHING for Droitwich Spa.
let's hope the next person in will look to help people rather than help himself.
P.S. Guess what relationship his secretary is.Talk about looking after your own !
Also, may I add....I am a Tory voter.

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More Tea Vicar says...
12:25pm Mon 10 Sep 12

ctpulley wrote:
He has done NOTHING for Droitwich Spa. let's hope the next person in will look to help people rather than help himself. P.S. Guess what relationship his secretary is.Talk about looking after your own ! Also, may I add....I am a Tory voter.
I can hardly imagine that the average Tory is happy with the incinerator or the SWDP. In opposition, the Tories said they were for localism, and against mass house building based on centrally imposed targets.

Funnily enough, I never see Tories actually defending either of these policies. Are they going to just carry on with them anyway, and never engage in debate?

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More Tea Vicar says...
12:33pm Mon 10 Sep 12

Bushi wrote:
anarchist wrote: I also remember Peter's move from Worcester to a safer seat. And I fear that history might repeat itself with Robin Walker also moving to safer territory. Which would be a great pity in my view.
You may have something there anarchist. Robin Walker seems well liked in Westminster and I would think the Tories would like to keep him around. Could be Mr Luff's replacement then
I can imagine the Ditta/taxi issue is having an effect on Worcester Tories' morale.

They certainly don't seem to have been very vocal in the press, in defending their colleague.

And then there is the urban sprawl and incinerator issue.

I can easily imagine Walker knows the Tories are in for a hard time in the area, helped only by Labour's failure to make an impact, and the Greens' failure to talk about the environment.

I can imagine he wants a nice safe seat to hide under, till the problems blow over. He certainly doesn't want to actually deal with the issues.

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