Iain Coleman stands down due to ill health

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Hammersmith and Fulham MP had suffered a stroke

Iain Coleman, the MP for Hammersmith and Fulham is standing down following a bout of ill-health, it has been announced.

With a general election likely to be imminent there is not going to be a by election although Mr Coleman is not planning to return to work. He had previously suffered a mild stroke that had restricted his speech and movement but had been expected to make a full recovery.

The Hammersmith and Fulham constituency is one of the most marginal in the country and a key target for the Conservatives for whom Greg Hands is contesting the seat. Mr Coleman aged 47, a former Mayor of Hammersmith and Fulham, was a surprise winner in 1997.

Labour's ruling council will now start the process of finding a new candidate for the seat. A general election is widely expected to be announced in the near future with May 5th being the date that most pundits are saying will be chosen because of local elections (outside London) already planned for that date.

March 15, 2005