A south-east London MP will step down after 25 years after the Prime Minister announced a snap general election.

MP for Lewisham West and Penge, Jim Dowd, is retiring.

Mr Dowd – who has lived in the area his whole life – has been a member of parliament for Lewisham West since 1992.

His retirement comes after Prime Minister Theresa May called a snap general election on June 8.

Mr Dowd told Mirror Online: “Now this has come up it would mean going on to 2022 and I would be 72 by then.

I would like a few years doing things I choose for myself and family matters."

The former Mayor of Lewisham has had his say on some very important issues in parliament, including Article 50 and Brexit.

He also publically supported campaigns and charities during his time in office – including the ‘This Girl Can’ campaign and World Cancer Day.

Councillor Alan Hall, former Chair, Lewisham West and Penge Labour party and Lewisham Labour councillor, said: “Jim Dowd has decided to retire after 25 years in public service as our Member of Parliament and I pay tribute to his commitment to carrying out the role of MP for Lewisham West and Penge.

“He will be missed.

“It is a very important job, therefore a very difficult decision to leave and consequently an admirable decision to take.

“I wish him well in the future”