LABOUR MP Andrew MacKinlay says he is stepping down at the next general election because he is exhausted and needs to “recharge his batteries”.

Mr Mackinlay said the case of Gary McKinnon, the autistic computer hacker, who was extradited to the US was one of the reasons for his retirement.

The rebel backbencher, who has been the MP for Thurrock for 17 years, said: “I’ve reached 60, and if I was to fight my seat at the next election and win I’d be 66 at the end of the term.

“Life is short and there are other things to do both privately and in public life.

“In many professions you can have a sabbatical, but you can’t if you are an MP.

“I need to recharge my batteries, both physically and mentally, as well as giving my attention to some people I have neglected.”

He added: “When I was a young man Harold Wilson was one of my heroes. He retired when he was 60. I think its the right thing to do.

“It’s a case of being sober about maintaining a high standard, I don’t want that to wane because I’ve gone on for one term too many.”

Mr MacKinlay said he would give 100 per cent until the next general election, and that was why he hadn’t resigned immediately and called a by-election.

The MP admitted the vote on the extradition of Mr McKinnon to the USA for a trial over charges of hacking into the Pentagon’s computer systems was one of the reasons behind his decision.

Mr MacKinlay was one of ten MPs who called for a review into the case, but this was defeated in the Commons.

He said: “I have been frustrated for a long time with the direction of parliament. The Gary McKinnon situation is illustrative of this frustration.

“It’s not only his extradition, which is unfair, but this treaty has been implemented by the Government without proper discussion in parliament.

“Many of my colleagues expressed sympathy with Mr McKinnon, but they allowed themselves to be dominated by the party whips. This is one of the deficiencies of parliament.”

Speaking about how he’d like to be remembered as an MP by his constituents, Mr MacKinlay said: “As someone who has done his best and is approachable, I have made mistakes, but I’ve tried to do everything with the utmost integrity and vigour.

The MP also said Thurrock will still be his home after he steps down.

He said: “Thurrock has been such an important part of my life. The people of Thurrock have been absolutely superb, and supportive across the political spectrum. I’ve been deeply moved and encouraged by it.”