One of Westminster's longest standing MPs will officially pass on the baton this week after 18 years in office.

Andy Love was voted in as Edmonton MP in 1997 but will step down at the General Election this Thursday.

However, the Scot told the Enfield Independent that he will still be helping the community and will not be “swanning off” anytime soon.

When asked about his favourite moments in office, Mr Love said: “Trying to do the best I can for the people of Edmonton and always putting them first.

“I have seen from the very early days how North Middlesex hospital has been completely transformed, people coming back used the hospital for the first time in years and I cannot believe how much it’s changed.”

Mr Love was also proud of the improvements he has overseen in education in the constituency, but was keen to say violent crime and gang problems needed to be addressed.

He said: “A lot of education facilities have been built and the extension of the colleges within the community particularly with education and training I am proud of. It gives people dignity and one of the themes that I have tried to address, we have seen some modest improvements and input in further education and deliver education.

“Edmonton is much more a diverse place, which has been a challenge for everyone and a positive experience.

“Violent crimes have been difficult, whilst I can go around and say crime has gone down dramatically, people are concerned about drugs and gang crime and I would like to see more focus on dealing with difficulties created by gang culture and across and more to be done to cut off the sources of drugs.”

The outgoing MP ruled out joining the House of Lords, stating he was "not interested" in becoming a peer.

He added: “Meeting the people, it has been a great privilege. I have been able to meet people who work tirelessly to improve the community and voluntary activity out there which is absolutely critical to the community working.

“I am not retiring and I am not putting my feet up. Of course I won’t be as frenetic as I am now but I want to still give something back in the community and the best I can do that.”