Cambridgeshire Euro MP Richard Howitt has announced that he will leave the European Parliament later this year.

After stepping down from the role he will become chief executive of the International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC).

Throughout 22 years as a Labour Euro MP, he has represented European interests in global initiatives, including at the United Nations.

Richard Howitt is the second longest-serving British Member of the European Parliament, first elected in 1994, and serves as the only Labour Euro MP in the East of England.

He said: “It will be a great privilege to apply my experience in Europe to a truly international role.

“It is time for me to take on a new role, but my personal values are as strong as ever.”

Richard Howitt MEP is expected to take up the new role in November.

The European Parliament procedure means Britain will nominate the next Labour candidate from the last European Elections in 2014 to replace him as Euro MP.