KATE Green is not standing in the next general election, the MP has confirmed.

The MP for Stretford and Urmston released a statement on her website on February 10.

In the statement, Ms Green does not explain the reason for not standing in the election, other than that it is time to move on to other opportunities.

She said serving Stretford and Urmston has been 'the greatest privilege of my life'.

The statement said: "Although we may be many months from the next general election, the Labour Party has now begun the process of selecting its candidates, and I advised my local party yesterday that I would not be seeking reselection.

"It has been the greatest privilege of my life to have been the member of parliament for Stretford and Urmston, but it will be the right time for me to move on to new experiences and opportunities.

"In the meantime, I promise that I will continue to work hard to represent my constituents to the very best of my ability.

"I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve this wonderful community."

Ms Green has been the MP for Stretford and Urmston since 2010, when she took over the seat from Beverley Hughes, now Baroness Hughes of Stretford, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester.

She has retained the seat in the three elections since, and has served as Shadow Secretary of State for Education, a position she lost in a reshuffle last November.

Other positions include Shadow Minister for Disabled People under Ed Miliband, Shadow Minister for Women and Equalities under Jeremy Corbyn and Shadow Minister for Child Poverty Strategy under Sir Keir Starmer.

After the MP's statement, Sir Keir tweeted: "Best wishes to Kate Green on your decision to step down at the next election.

"Kate, the impact you’ve had on improving the life chances of the next generation is defining.

"Thank you for everything you've done for Labour, for your constituents, and for your friendship."