THE Basingstoke Labour party has declined to comment following the news that its prospective parliamentary candidate has resigned.

As previously reported, David Lawrence announced he is stepping down following an “extremely difficult time”.

Posting the news on social media, Mr Lawrence said he had made the decision “with a heavy heart” and “for personal reasons”.

READ MORE: Labour's parliamentary candidate for Basingstoke resigns following 'difficult time'

Basingstoke Gazette: The 29-year-old added: “As some of those close to me will know, this has been an extremely difficult time, and I am not able to give 100 per cent to my candidacy as the people of Basingstoke deserve. I am very grateful for the ongoing support from family and friends.”

Mr Lawrence, who became a dad on November 7 with the arrival of his son Ronan Isaiah Lawrence at Basingstoke hospital, said he was “incredibly proud” of the campaign he has run in the town over the past year, which included knocking on the doors of 10,000 residents and speaking to thousands of people.

Rosalind Bach, chair of Basingstoke Constituency Labour Party (CLP), said: “We have nothing further to add to David’s public statement. Announcements about the process to select a new candidate will be made in due course.”