Obviously as the election race hots up (and there's your first 'election cliche' of 2005!) Londonist will eb bringing you all the local news, gossip and other information you need to make an informed and sensible decision at the ballot box (possibly).
But for now, let us point you in the direction of the BBC London news site which has a page dedicated to all the London MPs who are too scared busy to stand in this years elections.
So you've got some high-profile names such as Paul Boateng, who has a a pretty valid excuse (i.e. he's due to become the UK's high commissioner to South Africa); Michael Portillo, who's "standing down to explore new opportunities in the arts, public bodies and the media" apparently (or as we call it: 'after dinner speaking'); and the 'outspoken' Tony Banks (or as we call him: 'the dickhead Tony Banks') who is facing some kind of existential crisis apparently.
And then you've got the lesser-known names such as Iain Coleman of Hammersmith and Fulham (prefers Arsenal games to consintuency work apparently); Tom Cox of Tooting (spent more than 30 years in the Labour fold); and the slightly rebellious Brian Sedgemore of Hackney South and Shoreditch.
If, over the next few weeks, you have any questions, issues or stories about your local MP then please email us and we'll try and follow things up.
