Gedling MP takes break from Parliament due to illness

A Labour MP says he will take a break from Parliament due to illness.

Michael Payne, who represents Gedling in Nottinghamshire, said he would be unable to take part in upcoming parliamentary votes in a statement released on Wednesday.

He said he was “receiving ongoing medical treatment” and was under “strict instructions by medical professionals to rest”, but did not go into further detail about the illness.

The MP said his constituency office remained open and his staff continued to support residents.

Payne, who was elected in 2024, said: “This is incredibly frustrating for me.

“I care deeply about representing our community and being present for important debates and decisions in Westminster.

“Being unable to participate fully in this work is not something I take lightly, and it’s difficult to be away at a time when so much is happening nationally.”

According to his record, the backbencher last voted in the House of Commons on 1 July on the controversial welfare bill – the Universal Credit and Personal Independent Payment Bill – which was approved on Wednesday.