ALASTAIR Campbell, Tony Blair’s former press secretary and keen Clarets supporter, has praised retiring Blackburn MP Jack Straw’s contribution to the town, East Lancashire, Britain and the world.

He also promised to keep teasing the Rovers supporter, who will stand down from Parliament at the next General Election, about his support for the Ewood outfit.

Mr Campbell said: “I think he has been a great MP.

“He was one of the real big hitters of the Blair and Brown governments. He has made a lasting contribution to Blackburn, East Lancashire, Britain, and (as Foreign Secretary) to the world.

“We shall continue to meet up and indulge in juvenile football banter about our two clubs.”

Mr Straw announced on Friday night that he would not be standing in the 2015 election.

His former agent Sir Bill Taylor said: “Jack kind of fell in love with the town, its people and its ways.

“His many regular surgeries, Friday night community accountability meetings, Saturday soap box sessions and sitting in the Blackburn end at Ewood Park through thick and thin kept him both well in touch and on his toes with his local electorate.”

Former Burnley MP and long-time Westminster colleague Peter Pike said: “It will be a great loss to both Blackburn and Lancashire.”

Former Rossendale and Darwen Labour MP Janet Anderson said: “I think he has done an excellent job as MP for Blackburn.”