Barton MP Robert McClelland will quit Federal Parliament at the election later this year.
He announced this afternoon he had advised the general secretary of the NSW branch of the Labor Party that he had decided not to seek pre-selection.
‘‘After almost 17 years in Federal Parliament, my decision has not been taken lightly and follows discussion over the Christmas recess with my family and friends,’’ he said in a statement.
He offered no further explanation for the decision.
Last year, Mr McClelland vowed to stay in Parliament after being dumped from the ministry by Prime Minister Julia Gillard.
He said at that time he would definitely nominate again for the next election.
His decision not to stand again will make it harder for Labor to retain the seat, which it holds with a margin of 6.9 per cent.
Full story in Thursday’s Leader.
Are you surprised by the decision?
