Statement from Frank Field MP

‘A key component of our democracy is that MPs are accountable to their electorate, while of course taking into account the views of their local party membership. Those people that I work with most closely in Birkenhead stress that, in the 2017 general election, I received the biggest majority I have ever had in Birkenhead, standing clearly on a national and local manifesto. All of these people, and practically all of the local residents who have contacted me in recent days, have stressed that I should simply get on with the job of representing Birkenhead. 

‘Therefore, I will not be calling a by-election. The whole of my time will continue, as in the past, with trying to serve Birkenhead to the best of my ability and spearheading a whole series of major projects in the town. I also look forward to contributing further to the development of the Labour Party’s programme of social and economic reform.  

‘Meanwhile, I now have what may become a major legal dispute with the Labour Party over my continuing membership of the Party. I shall fight any attempt at expelling me in every way I can and, if need be, in the courts. This interpretation of Labour’s rule book could last a long time.’