Long-standing Labour MP Dame Margaret Hodge has said she will not be standing again at the next election.

“After nearly three decades, I have made the tough decision not to stand again at the next election. 

“Serving as an MP has been the honour of my life and an absolute joy. But I’m not going away just yet. 

“I will continue to fight for residents of Barking and the heart of Dagenham,” the 77-year-old said on Thursday.

Dame Margaret has served continuously since 1994, holding various ministerial roles across education, work and pensions, business and culture.

She has remained a backbencher since 2010, when she became the first woman elected chair of the public accounts committee - a role she assumed until 2015.

In 2010, she defeated former BNP leader Nick Griffin at the ballot box.

In recent years, she became an outspoken critic of her party’s handling of antisemitism claims under Jeremy Corbyn’s leadership. She also spoke out several times about the antisemitic abuse she received on social media.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer hailed her “dedication to our party” which he said was “exemplary.”

“A champion of unity and hope over division, she will be sorely missed in Parliament and by her constituents,” Sir Keir added. 

Former MP Ruth Smeeth was also among current and former party figures praising Dame Margaret for her service.

Ms Smeeth described her as her “friend, my hero and my rock” and said she had been an “amazing servant to the people of Barking.”

“I love her lots and know that whatever she does next is going to be spectacular,” she said.

Ilford North MP Wes Streeting said Dame Margaret was a “reforming minister, a formidable parliamentarian and a great friend.” He also praised her for the “courage she has shown throughout her career."