by Keith Richmond
GARY TITLEY, leader of the European Parliamentary Labour Party, is to stand down in January. Mr Titley, 58, MEP for the North West of England, had already said he would leave the European Parliament in June 2009 and he wants to give his replacement time to prepare for the European elections.
He said: “Over the more than six years I have served as leader, I have watched the UK become increasingly influential in Europe. It has been a tremendous opportunity and an honour to fight for British people on the issues that affect their lives.
“I have previously announced that I would stand down from the European Parliament next June and so I felt it was important to stand aside at the end of the year in order to give a new leader time to prepare for the European elections.
“The constant travelling inevitably takes its toll, particularly because of all the extra commitments that come from being Labour leader in Europe.”
Prime Minister Gordon Brown paid a warm tribute to Mr Titley. He said: “I want to thank Gary for his contribution to European politics. Over the last six years, he has done a brilliant job representing Britain and Labour in the European Parliament, and as EPLP leader he has been a great support to me and the whole of the Labour Party.”
Mr Titley was first elected to the European Parliament in 1989, taking over the Greater Manchester West seat from Barbara Castle.
