Dame Rosie Winterton has said she is stepping down as a Labour MP at the next election.

       The Deputy Speaker of the House of Commons said it had been an “honour” to have served as MP of Doncaster Central since 1997, adding she was “deeply grateful” to her constituents.

       Dame Rosie, who was known as a well-respected Labour Party disciplinarian, held positions within the Government under the leadership of former prime ministers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

       She said in a statement: “Having been brought up in Doncaster and lived here for many years, I have treasured the support I have been given by local people.

       I am very grateful to the local Labour Party for all their support and kindness, and have many fond memories of campaigning. Come sun, rain, wind or snow we worked hard and also managed to have some fun!

       Dame Rosie Winterton

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       “It has been wonderful to have the opportunity to support local charities and community groups, our local public services, including schools and the NHS, and local business.

       “In Westminster, I have always tried to do Doncaster proud and make a difference through ministerial roles in the Labour government, the shadow cabinet, and currently as Deputy Speaker.

       “I am very grateful to the local Labour Party for all their support and kindness, and have many fond memories of campaigning. Come sun, rain, wind or snow we worked hard and also managed to have some fun!”

       The statement added: “I am deeply grateful to local people for giving me the opportunity to be the MP for Doncaster Central and want to assure you that I will do my best to support my successor when the time comes.”

       Dame Rosie will continue until the next election before stepping down.

       She was given a damehood in the 2015 New Year’s Honours list after soaring through the political ranks in a career spanning more than 40 years.

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       Dame Rosie first became an aide to Lord Prescott and made her way on to the front benches in 2001.

       She was also appointed Opposition chief whip in September 2010 under Ed Miliband’s leadership and became deputy speaker of the Commons in 2020.