A Labour MP has announced plans to quit Parliament at the next election, just a month after his fellow party politician declared he was stepping down.

Des Turner will be 70 by the time the next general election comes around.

He said he was "immensely proud" of the achievements of the Labour Party but added it was time to make way for someone younger.

The announcement yesterday comes just a few weeks after fellow Labour politician David Lepper's decision to stand down as MP for Brighton Pavilion.

Mr Turner said: "It is with a very heavy heart that I have decided not to seek re-election at the next general election in three years' time. It will be time to hand on the baton to a younger candidate with the energy needed for this demanding and fulfilling role.

"I have enjoyed hugely the experience of representing my constituents and I am immensely proud of the achievements of the Labour Government during that time, although there have been issues upon which we have disagreed."

Mr Turner has spoken out against Tony Blair on several occasions, most notably over foreign policies and the war in Iraq.

More recently, he called for the Prime Minister to resign before the party lost its political grip on Brighton and Hove.

He also declared his support for Gordon Brown to succeed Mr Blair.

Mr Turner hit the headlines in July after being accused of delivering a volley of "foul and abusive language" at a housing officer he believed was obstructing attempts to find a council home for one of his constituents.

The MP claimed the council officer must have "led a sheltered life" if he was not used to being sworn at by elected representatives.

He is a supporter of a stadium at Falmer and has campaigned for the release of Omar Deghayes from Guatanamo Bay.

He has also led campaigns to beat identity fraud, provide better care for the elderly, improve education in the constituency and save the chemistry department at the University of Sussex.