Progressive Labour Party MP Glenn Blakeney has confirmed his retirement in a letter to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Randy Horton.

Citing “personal reasons” for stepping down, he said: “Although I will no longer sit as an elected member in the Lower House, I hope to continue contributing in meaningful ways to the wellbeing of my Island home.”

His retirement will be effective from Monday, the letter states.

The broadcaster was elected to Parliament for a third consecutive term on December 17, 2012, as the PLP’s incumbent candidate for Devonshire North Central.

He formerly served as the PLP’s public relations officer and party spokesman for two years immediately preceding his General Election victory in July 2003.

Mr Blakeney, the MP for Devonshire North Central, was the Minister of Environment and Sports from 2008 to 2010 and youth, families, sport and community development from 2010 to 2012. He held this position until December 17, 2012, when the PLP suffered its first defeat in 14 years.

Mr Blakeney said his most rewarding experience had been earning the confidence of voters in his constituency.

The PLP said in a statement: “We thank Mr Blakeney for his over 12 years of service in the House of Assembly to the people of Devonshire North Central.

“We also thank him for his service as a Cabinet minister during the PLP administration as Minister of Environment and Sports and as Minister of Youth, Families and Community Development.

“He has been a dedicated public servant and we wish him well in his retirement from public office.”