Former High Peak MP Ruth George has ruled herself out of the running to become Labour’s parliamentary candidate for the next election. 

Now a County Councillor for Whaley Bridge, she was the area’s MP from 2017 until 2019 when she lost to seat by 590 votes to Conservative Robert Largan. 

Announcing her decision, she said: “I have never been so proud as when I was elected to serve as Member of Parliament for my own community, and especially to be able to stand up for High Peak and for people who had been impoverished and disempowered by the Conservative government. 

Thanking everyone for all the support and appreciation for her work in parliament and as a county councillor she explained the part of politics she loves is being able to help people, to support local organisations and businesses, and to hold the Conservatives in Derbyshire to account.   

“I’ve found I can do more of that in my role on the council. And I also love being able to spend more time with my teenagers, my grandson, and am looking forward to my granddaughter being born early next year.” 

She added: “I look forward to taking part in the process to ensure we have an excellent candidate who will make sure we again have an MP who does their best to reduce poverty, support our local services, and make our area - and our country - a fairer, kinder, and better place to live.” 

Applications for those wanting to put themselves forward to be considered as the Labour Party parliamentary candidate closed at midday today (Thursday). 

A long list of candidates is expected to be announced by the end of the month. 

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