Sadness as health forces MP to quit
VETERAN Labour MP Mark Fisher has announced he is standing down after 27 years in office due to ill health.
The 64-year-old, who represents the Stoke-on-Trent Central Parliamentary seat, took the shock decision after undergoing brain surgery last month.
Doctors were forced to operate after he was diagnosed with a build-up of fluid on his brain shortly before Christmas.
Despite undergoing two operations, Mr Fisher was still adamant that he would defend his seat and fight for a seventh term.
But following medical advice to rest and recuperate, Mr Fisher met with Labour Party deputy leader Harriet Harman on Tuesday night and told her he would stand down at the next General Election.
Mr Fisher told The Sentinel last night that he would be sad to leave the city. But he said he wanted to concentrate on his recovery and make way for new blood within the Labour Party.
He said: "I am sad to be going, because I had set my sights on getting one more term and reaching the 30-year mark.
"I was determined to stand in this year's election, despite my condition, but the two lots of brain surgery were quite close together and they left me feeling very weak.
"Medically I'm cured, but it will take much longer than I had hoped to feel the benefits, so I've had to admit that I'm not going to be able to stand in the election.
"I've done 27 years, which I think is a record for any Stoke-on-Trent MP, and I've loved it. I love the city and I love the Labour Party and I will be very sad to stand down.
"But I think it's time for a younger person to come in and see off the BNP in Stoke Central."
He added: "It is vital that we have a credible candidate that people believe in and support. We can't have anyone parachuted in."
His political assistant Barry Stockley, chairman of the Stoke-on-Trent Central Constituency Labour Party (CLP), said he was told of Mr Fisher's decision yesterday morning. He said: "It's a great shame as Mark has been a superb MP for the city over the last 27 years.
"He has a very big personal following in the city and there's no doubt that this will be a massive loss for the area."
Stoke-on-Trent South MP Rob Flello said: "He's a brilliant constituency MP, fantastic in Parliament and we will certainly miss him. He has been brilliant for the city."
Constituent Barry Seckerson, aged 70, says Mr Fisher has provided invaluable help during his trials with wife Brenda, who has complicated special needs caused by Huntington's Disease.
Mr Seckerson, of Oakhill, said: "I was really choked when I heard. I feel like I have lost a member of the family. Without him Brenda would be dead.
"He has been a friend, a counsellor, an educator, an inspiration and a rare human being."
19 Comments
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by james, moorlands
Sunday, April 04 2010, 1:57PM
“And another fine mess you got us into,”
by Nicky, pitsnpots.co.uk
Friday, March 12 2010, 10:11PM
“I'm no labour supporter but I like Mark Fisher. He is refreshingly straightforward, especially for a politician. And willing to oppose even his own party when necessary on principle and in people's best interest.
I hope we may not have heard the last of political comment from Mark Fisher, once he has taken plenty of time out to fully recover his health.”
by Craig, Stoke-on-Trent
Friday, March 12 2010, 11:04AM
“Enjoy your well earned retirement Mark. Every constituent with at least half brain knew how hard you worked for the city.”
by roy, burslem
Thursday, March 11 2010, 7:46PM
“more like he jumping ship instead of losing out to the bnp come on simon derby the people of stoke await u onwards n upwards bnp”
by Mrs Cheveley, Trentham
Thursday, March 11 2010, 6:29PM
“I had reason to contact Mark a few times over the past few decades, and always found him kind, friendly, and professional. The most memorable contact occurred when the health of my son (then a schoolboy) was put at risk by an uppity medical receptionist's dangerous over-reliance on guidelines. (Guidelines which did not apply in that particular situation, I might add.) Mark was in Westminster at the time but telephoned me personally around forty minutes after my first contact with his office to inform me that the whole situation had been resolved. Local constituents (whatever their political leanings) will be lucky to get an MP like that in the seat again.”
by Gary Elsby, Baddeley Green
Thursday, March 11 2010, 6:12PM
“Mark proved that over 27 years representing Stoke Central , it was possible to be an honest politician whom all looked up to. Isn't that enough, or do you want even more? How about his involvement in bringing in the Freedom of Information Act that the guilty finds most foul?”
by anon, hanley
Thursday, March 11 2010, 5:25PM
“Elsby is that the best you can come up with 42 days detention?
What about saving the Pits Potteries, Steel?
He acheived nothing in 27 years.
Good riddance.”
by PHILIP, hanley
Thursday, March 11 2010, 5:01PM
“all the best mark you got the csa off my back,,enjoy your retirement”
by GW, Staffs
Thursday, March 11 2010, 3:51PM
“Looking at your comments Gary. Do you really wonder why the Labour Party don't want you as a csndidste in the Local elections ???.”
by andrew, weston coyney
Thursday, March 11 2010, 2:57PM
“No doubt Mr Fisher will have a very comfortable retirement on his gold plated pension and the odd spot of consultancy.”