The MEP for the East of England has decided to stand down after representing the county since 1999.

Richard Howitt, MEP, will give a formal farewell speech tonight to the Watford Labour Party.

Mr Howitt said his thanks goes not just to the party activists but to many other organisations and individuals in his constituency.

He said: "Watford has given me some of my most memorable moments including the warm-hearted welcome at the Ipswich and Three Rivers Refugee Project, and wonderful European funded projects including those at the Women's Centre and at the Children's Centre in Croxley.

"I am particularly grateful of the cooperation with local businesses and was proud to help get £1.4milllion to support film production in Watford and to campaign for a European law change with Sigma Pharmaceuticals to cut the cost of medicines for our National Health Service and create jobs in Watford.

"I would also like to thank local voluntary organisations I have worked with including the Watford Oxfam and Global Justice UK groups, with whom we campaigned successfully to make Watford a Fair Trade town.

"The new job I am going to, is precisely to advocate for business to be able to meet such global challenges.

"It was with personal sadness that I saw the referendum result in Watford, but we have to respect the outcome and I hope still be able to negotiate a new relationship with Europe based on close cooperation and partnership."