Former local government minister and MJ columnist Nick Raynsford has announced he will stand down as an MP at the next general election in 2015 after 20 years when he will be 70.

Mr Raynsford, MP for Greenwich and Woolwich and local government minister between 1997 and 2005, said: 'It has been an enormous privilege to represent this wonderful constituency, and I am proud of the advances which have been made over the past 20 years to improve the lives and prospects of local residents, strengthen the local economy and preserve and enhance our heritage and environment.