MP Henderson ‘preparing to leave Commons at next election’

Jul 4 2009 by Adrian Pearson, The Journal

NEWCASTLE MP Doug Henderson was last night believed to be preparing to announce his intention to step down.

Speculation was mounting that the Newcastle North MP would reveal he is giving up the seat during a constituency party meeting held behind closed doors. He did not wish to comment last night.

Labour party members have said word of his expected resignation, likely to take effect in time for the next General Election, has already sparked a race to succeed him.

Mr Henderson is often portrayed as a keen supporter of the prime minister, and a key ally of regional minister Nick Brown.

He was one of many MPs to come in for criticism during the Commons expenses scandal; although his claims were modest compared to others he repeatedly claimed the full £400 a month for food.

Mr Henderson was also under fire last month after it was revealed he earned £100,000 working as an adviser for McDonald’s for the past four years on top of his backbench salary of £64,766.

But by far the biggest controversy surrounding the MP regards his residence.

His main home is 155 miles away in a remote location in Fife, in Scotland.