Jim McGovern has insisted he is not running scared from the SNP as tributes pour in for the “good guy” MP who announced he is standing down before the election.
The Courier exclusively revealed that the Dundee West MP would not fight to retain his seat, citing health concerns.
With just 34 days until voters go to the polls in the general election and six days until all candidates have to be registered the decision on who will replace him in the contest against the SNP’s Chris Law will be made within the next few days.
I am sorry that my friend and colleague @Jim4DundeeWest is standing down, whatever your politics I am sure everyone will wish him well.
— Richard McCready (@rbmccready) April 3, 2015
The 58-year-old said: “I’ve never taken anything as a sure thing and I know I would have had to campaign long and hard to retain Dundee West I was up for that fight but unfortunately events over the last four months also have led to this recommendation on the basis of medical advice.
“I would hope that whoever the new candidate is, that they can depend on the support of the people who have always supported Labour.”
Thanks to everyone for their best wishes. My full statement is availible via https://t.co/ttcSXgbHCf
— Jim McGovern (@JMcGovernDundee) April 3, 2015
Many people from across the political spectrum have taken to social media to express their best wishes to Mr McGovern.
Pete Wishart tweeted: “Sending best wishes to @Jim4DundeeWest who’s pulling out of the election due to ill health. One of the good guys in Scottish Labour.”
SNP MP Angus MacNeil tweeted: “Wish Jim McGovern (Lab Dundee West) for the future, always got on well with him compared to whats-his-name in Dundee East.”
For more on Mr McGovern’s decision, see Saturday’s Courier.
Wish Jim McGovern (Lab Dundee West) for the future, always got on well with him compared to whats-his-name in Dundee East. :))
— Angus B MacNeil MP (@AngusMacNeilSNP) April 3, 2015
Sending best wishes to @Jim4DundeeWest who's pulling out of the election due to ill health. One of the good guys in Scottish Labour.
— Pete Wishart (@PeteWishart) April 3, 2015