Cashman tipped to take over as head of Labour MEPs

Simon Murphy, the leader of the British Labour MEPs, resigned his post yesterday, blaming the "Strasbourg travelling circus" that forces Euro MPs to travel between the European Parliament's two seats in Brussels and Strasbourg.

The departure of Mr Murphy, who was regarded as an effective but uncharismatic leader, has already prompted acute speculation about his successor, with the former EastEnders actor Michael Cashman seen as favourite.

Mr Murphy's resignation comes two-and-a-half years after his predecessor, Alan Donnelly, quit the post citing the same reasons. The decision is likely to fuel the campaign for the parliament to ditch one of its two sites.

Mr Murphy described his decision as "a personal one, based on the incompatibility of the demands of a young family coupled with the stress of political life".

He added: "It highlights, once again, the unbearable pressures that having a Parliament with two homes puts on politicians, especially those with family commitments. The Strasbourg travelling circus undermines the important work MEPs do furthering Britain's interests in Europe. MEPs cannot exercise their considerable powers effectively when they are split between two sites."

The European Parliament meets in Strasbourg one week in every four but is based for the remainder of the time in Brussels. That location split forces MEPs to commute between their homes in the UK and two different cities.

Mr Murphy had already decided not to contest the next Euro elections in 2004. He will remain an MEP until then and plans to campaign in favour of British membership of the euro.

Mr Cashman, who is one of Labour's best-known faces in the European Parliament and has specialised on justice and home affairs, is seen by many as the most likely next leader. Gary Titley, a more experienced MEP, is expected to be his main rival.