Thurrock MP Andrew MacKinlay has announced that he is to stand down from parliament at the next election.
Mr Mackinlay, 60, has been contemplating the decision for some time.
YourThurrock will be interviewing Mr MacKinlay tomorrow to reflect on his decision.
Tributes have been pouring in from all over the country and we will be reflecting that as well.
Speculation will also centre upon the next Labour candidate for Thurrock.
It is a shame that Thurrock is to lose it’s best political servant. Andrew has been a great parlimentarian since his election. He has had some tough times and was not always popular with his party, meaning that he never reached the level in the house that he deserved. I wish him luck in the future and thank him for the work he has done. I met him on numerous occasions and dealt with him in many aspects of life and always found him attentive and helpful. my message to him is that whilst I am sure he will be missed and that I think it will be hard to find someone that will work equally as hard for Thurrock, he has earned his retirement from the house. I wish him and his family well.