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Newcastle upon Tyne East MP Nick Brown will not stand for election as Labour chief whip after party leader Ed Miliband told him he did not want him to serve.
Instead shadow leader of the House Rosie Winterton will be unopposed in the election for the post.
"As you know I intended to stand for election as chief whip," Brown said in a letter to Miliband.
"During our meeting earlier today you indicated that you wished me not to do so.
"The chief whip must have the full confidence of the party leader.
"I fully respect your wishes and will no longer be standing for the position."
In response, Miliband wrote: "Thank you for your letter and our conversation earlier today.
"I have huge regard and respect for you and the contribution you have made to the Labour Party in Parliament in many roles, especially as chief whip over the last few years.
"As we discussed, the election of a new leader is a time for a fresh start and that's why I am grateful to you for agreeing to step aside as chief whip.
"I'd like to put on record my respect and appreciation for your hard work, political judgment and commitment.
"I know that colleagues in the Parliamentary Labour Party would like me to convey their gratitude to you for your loyal service.
"I also know that you will continue to be a powerful voice in Parliament for your constituents in Newcastle East. I look forward to working with you in the future."
The former chief whip is not standing for shadow cabinet election.
A close ally of Gordon Brown, Nick Brown was Tony Blair's first chief whip, serving from 1997 until he was moved to a minister of state role at the ministry of agriculture a year later.
He was criticised for his handling of the foot and mouth crisis in 2001, and was moved to work and pensions after that year's general election.
Brown was sacked by Tony Blair in 2003, but returned as deputy chief whip when Gordon Brown became prime minister in 2007.
In October 2008 he took over as chief whip from Geoff Hoon and remained in that role until the Labour government was defeated in May.
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