A VETERAN member of Labour’s national executive committee (NEC) announced that she will not be running for re-election.

Ann Black, who was first elected on to the NEC in 2000 and served as chair from 2009 to 2010, wrote a paper expressing concern about the invasion of Iraq, against Tony Blair’s plans to introduce ID cards and defended local members’ involvement in selection processes.

In her latest NEC report, she said: “Nominations have opened for the constituency places on the NEC. I am not seeking re-election – after 24 years, it’s time for future generations to see the party through the next election and beyond, so I’ll leave the NEC in September.

“Thank you for all the support in good and difficult times.”

Her decision comes following the NEC’s controversial decision to block Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham from standing in the Gorton and Denton by-election.

Ealing Central and Acton MP Rupa Huq said: “Sad news amid Labour internal wrangles, Ann Black isn’t seeking nomination to [the] NEC.”