Retiring Dumbarton MP John McFall plans to keep busy

Feb 5 2010 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

DUMBARTON MP John McFall won’t be stepping down a gear, despite giving up his seat in Parliament.

“I don’t think I’ll be short of things to do,” John told the Lennox Herald on Monday, moments before stepping on a plane for a business trip to the States.

John, area MP for the past 23 years, announced at the weekend he will not be contesting the seat at the next general election.

His decision to step down triggered a flow of praise from political colleagues.

Leading the tributes, Prime Minister Gordon Brown described him as “an authoritative voice” who would be sadly missed.

Former teacher John, 65, told the Lennox Herald the time was right to go.

He said: “I’ll certainly be taking a few more holidays but I don’t think I’ll be short of things to do.

“I still have something to offer. I’m looking forward to continuing my academic life as visiting professor at Glasgow University and my interest in overseas development.”

John, who has just been awarded an honorary doctorate from Strathclyde University, would not be drawn on whether a place awaits him in the House of Lords. He laughed: “Never presume anything!”

Still clearly driven by the enthusiasm and dynamism which has marked his time as a politician, he admitted he’d be glad to be spending more time with wife, Joan. He said: “She’ll be glad to be seeing more of me.”

John, MP for the Labour and Co-operative Party, announced his decision at the Constituency Party AGM on Saturday.

In his official statement he said: “After 23 years representing my local area in Westminster and having reached normal retirement age, I see this as a natural time to move on and explore other areas of interest.

“I have been honoured and privileged to represent the Labour and Co-operative Party in West Dunbartonshire and I will continue to pledge my support to its future political success, both locally and nationally.

“I have been privileged to work with so many dedicated groups and individuals in the pursuit of improving the lives of everyone in our area.

“I have nothing but the highest regard for all who dedicate themselves to enhancing the quality of life in our local communities. It has been my privilege to work alongside them and with I wish them well in their continued endeavours on behalf of people in the area.”

The Prime Minister said: “John has been a champion for Dumbarton for 23 years, served as a minister and, since 2001, has been a very distinguished chairman of the Treasury Select Committee.

“Throughout unprecedented turbulent times, John remained an authoritative voice that emboldened and reassured both Parliament and the British people on how to steer through the recession.

“Parliament and the people of Dunbartonshire will miss his wise counsel.”

John, recently named Which? Consumer Champion for his efforts to improve financial services for consumers, became a household name in the wake of the banking crisis.

His committee quizzed high profile figures, including Bank of England Governor Mervyn King and former Royal Bank of Scotland Chief Executive Sir Fred Goodwin.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Alistair Darling, said: “John has made a tremendous contribution to politics.

“He passionately and robustly represented his constituents at all times and his services will be greatly missed at Westminster.”

Labour colleague, Jackie Baillie MSP, said it had been a privilege to work with him for the past 10 years.

“He has been an outstanding parliamentarian,” she said. “John was also a determined champion for his constituents, standing up for their interests and protecting them when they were in difficulty. I shall miss his wise counsel but I am sure that he will continue to play a prominent role in our local community.”