From time to time, a person has been pointing roughly in my direction saying: “That is my MP.” Almost every time, I look over my shoulder to see who the MP might be (just out of curiosity I suppose) but quickly realising the person pointed at is me and in my experience, many people show far too much deference and respect to MPs. Some MPs, of course, start believing they are special and rare and start behaving as if they were — often with dire consequences.

I have enjoyed being called Rudi. I have enjoyed the banter, serious conversation, jokes and debates. I probably fool myself into thinking I have almost never lied. Naturally, I have had to apologise for being in error about matters, but I was pleased when Sir Thomas Legg QC, who examined MPs’ expenses claims, wrote to me and said, I quote: “Dr Vis has no issues.”

This has been part of my experience, not just with my Labour Party friends and voters, but also with people who I do not consider as enemies, but always as opponents and often friends. I have enjoyed such friendships with Tory and Liberal Democrat councillors and other voters, although one cannot always utter that in public.

All political parties in their policies, intended and through vagaries, can be wrong. If there are superior ideas around from others, one should lean on them, discuss them, re-examine your own views with seriousness and not dig your own hole even deeper. The good for us all requires at times to transcend party politics and to ditch dogma.

Why do I not fight in the election? Well, I’ll be 70 next time and talent, if there ever was any, is not growing as easily. Experience might be enhanced over years, but mere backbenchers face terrific difficulties in making themselves heard.

Government is too presidential in policy making and journalism can be rushed in only directing their attention and interviews at the same old faces. Sometimes, a new old face breaks into those ranks. Some of them are shameless entrepreneurs and sometimes they are on the mad side of life.

It also does not assist one to vote against one’s own party. I have tried not to be a rebel for the sake of it, but it has not always been possible. It is not the road to take if one were interested in being promoted. Iraq, student fees and foundation hospitals come to mind among a few other “mishaps” by my Government.

Most unfortunately, I have recently been diagnosed with incurable cancer with all its attendant nastiness, chemotherapy, feeling below par and being totally out of breath.

Finchley and Golders Green has been special. I never had the desire to stand anywhere else and I did not think we would win it in 1997.

Locally, the Labour Party has been brilliant in assisting me both for themselves and for me — not only in 1997, but again in 2001 and 2005, and before that, as a councillor in 1986, 1990 and 1994.

The constituency is also an agreeable and convenient place in which to live. It needs all our protection as it is one of the jewels in the crown of London, particularly with the improved Northern Line.

Finchley and Golders Green constituents have, on average, a higher income than elsewhere. We were the fourth wealthiest Labour-held constituency in 1997, but since then we lost Wimbledon and Hammersmith and Fulham.

We still have Hampstead and Highgate so we are now second well-off. Of course, we have constituents in difficult economic and social circumstances and I have done as much as humanly possible to assist.

It is also a constituency where many people are politically sophisticated and are thoughtfully contributing to just about every debate. This has been a fantastic educational experience for me. We would not have won so many campaigns if locals had not put on their campaigning gear, often only asking me to come in for support.

Nuclear trains in Cricklewood, College Farm, a multiple of planning issues, insolvency matters and assistance to non-governmental organisations — all are local-led issues where I came in by invitation of them.

I could now name hundreds of party members, friends, acquaintances and people who have assisted me beyond the call of duty, but I will hide behind the screen that says: “What if I should forget some?” However, allow me to make one difference.

I have been in love with Jacqui, my partner, wife, confidante and mother of our 15-year-old twins for 25 years and she is utterly marvellous. I thank her for that.

Both she and I have been honoured by our constituents to be elected and re-elected from 1986 onwards and we shall always remember that with the fondness and humility it deserves.

Our very best wishes for all your futures.

Rudi Vis, former Labour MP for Finchley & Golders Green