SHAUN Woodward, the MP for St Helens South and Whiston, has explained his reasons for stepping down from Labour’s front bench.

The 52-year-old handed in his resignation as shadow Northern Ireland Secretary to Labour leader Ed Miliband ahead of last week’s reshuffle.

Woodward, who was hand-picked by Miliband for the shadow cabinet last year, intends to carry on as MP for the St Helens constituency, which he has served since 2001.

In his resignation letter to the Labour leader, Woodward wrote that after working in Northern Ireland for more than five years (in Government and then opposition) he “remains convinced that now is the right time for others to take forward the next stage of work” there.

His letter read: “Serving as Secretary of State for three years in Northern Ireland and the last year and a half as Shadow Secretary (and previously as Security and Health Minister) has been a great privilege.

“To have played a part in both the peace process and building stability in the political process has been a huge honour.

“Working to create The Hillsborough Agreement, completing decommissioning and helping to secure the long term political institutions of Northern Ireland have been responsibilities for which I will always be indebted to the Labour Party for allowing me to carry.

“I am especially grateful to all those in the Labour Party and political parties in Northern Ireland who put their trust in me.

“I would also like to thank my constituents in St Helens who have been so understanding and supportive throughout my time on the front bench. I will of course continue to do all I can to serve their interests and to work hard protecting all those who live and work in St Helens.

“For the future, I wish you well in all the challenges ahead. We all have a duty to support you. We want to succeed. You can be assured I will continue to help in any way that may be of service to you and the Labour Party.”

The Labour leader has expressed thanks to Woodward for his contribution and personal support. He said the St Helens MP’s achievements in Northern Ireland are of “historical significance”.