Monday 08 July 2019 2:31 pm

Pro-Brexit Labour MP Kate Hoey to stand down at next election

British opposition Labour Party MP Kate Hoey speaks at a pro-Brexit rally in central London on March 29, 2019, organised by Leave Means Leave. – British MPs on Friday rejected Prime Minister Theresa May’s EU divorce deal for a third time, opening the way for a long delay to Brexit — or a potentially catastophic “no deal” withdrawal in two weeks. (Photo by Daniel LEAL-OLIVAS / AFP) (Photo credit should read DANIEL LEAL-OLIVAS/AFP/Getty Images)

Brexit-backing Labour MP Kate Hoey has announced she is standing down at the next election.

Hoey has represented the Vauxhall constituency in south London since 1989, and was returned at the last election with a majority of more than 20,000.

She is one of the most vocal backers Brexit from the Labour benches, and joined then Ukip leader Nigel Farage at campaigning events ahead of the 2016 referendum.

Her anti-EU views set her at odds with many in her constituency party, and in 2018 she suffered a vote of no confidence by local members.

The 73-year-old posted a letter setting her reasons for standing down on her Twitter feed, but made no mention of Brexit.

She wrote: “Having stated at the 2015 General Election that I would not seek re-election in 2020 I was persuaded to fight the unexpected General Election of 2017.

“Not that the national Labour Party has started the process for the 2022 election I have decided that after 30 years as the MP for Vauxhall I will not seek re-election as a Labour candidate.”