LEEDS North West MP Alex Sobel has spoken of his “mixed emotions” as the constituency he has represented for the past six years will cease to exist in a political boundary shake-up.

But Mr Sobel has declared that he will be standing for Labour in the next election to contest one of the new constituencies that is being formed.

Mr Sobel has represented the Adel and Wharfedale, Otley and Yeadon, Headingley and Hyde Park and Weetwood wards which fell into the Leeds North West constituency with, he says, “a spirit of humility and commitment”.

At the next general election, scheduled for 2024, Mr Sobel says he will stand in the new Headingley constituency, which will include Headingley and Weetwood with the addition of Kirkstall and Little London and Woodhouse.

A second constituency will be created which will include Adel, Wharfedale, Otley, Yeadon, Guiseley, Rawdon and Horsforth.

Mr Sobel said in a letter to constituents: “This will effectively tear the current Leeds North West in half.

“While change can be challenging, it also presents new opportunities. I am pleased to announce that the Labour NEC have confirmed I will be standing as the Labour candidate for the new constituency of Headingley.

“The work I have done on issues such as housing improvements in Holt Park, holiding developers to account in the East of Otley and improving air quality in Pool will pass to a new MP. I will cherish the time spent representing the people of Adel, Cookridge, Bramhope, Arthington, Pool, Otley and Yeadon.

“I will still run up through Adel and Bramhope, Walk on the Chevin, take part in the excellent events like Otley Show and spend time at Yeadon Tarn but as a visitor not your MP.

"To my former constituents, members and volunteers, I extend my gratitude for the trust you placed in me. I encourage you to offer your support to the new Labour candidate in the Leeds North West Seat, who will continue to champion the values we hold dear. Together, we have achieved great things, and I have every confidence that your community spirit will endure.”

Mr Sobel thanked everyone “that has stopped me at Asda Holt park or Otley Sainsburys to ask me a question or thank me for helping you, or at the Woodhouse Moor Park Run to comment on my 5k times, or on Otley Rd to ask how my children are doing, or ask me to help with a case on the X84 or even a case about the X84! | feel such warmth and emotion at having had the honour to represent you and the kindness so many of you have shown me.”

He added: “I have always done my best to solve people's individual problems and raise our issues with the Government.”

The changes do not come into force until after the next election.