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Tory MP to stand down at election Tory MP to stand down at election
(about 1 hour later)
Conservative MP Andrew MacKay has announced he is to step down as an MP at the next general election. Conservative MP Andrew MacKay has announced he is to step down at the next general election.
It comes after the MP for Bracknell, Berkshire, had a conversation with the Conservative leader, David Cameron.It comes after the MP for Bracknell, Berkshire, had a conversation with the Conservative leader, David Cameron.
Mr MacKay had already resigned as Mr Cameron's aide because he and wife Julie Kirkbride, MP for Bromsgrove, both claimed second home allowances.Mr MacKay had already resigned as Mr Cameron's aide because he and wife Julie Kirkbride, MP for Bromsgrove, both claimed second home allowances.
He said he did not want to become "a distraction" to voters as Mr Cameron sought to become prime minister.He said he did not want to become "a distraction" to voters as Mr Cameron sought to become prime minister.
In a statement, Mr MacKay said: "Following a conversation with David Cameron this morning I have decided to step down as candidate for Bracknell at the next general election.In a statement, Mr MacKay said: "Following a conversation with David Cameron this morning I have decided to step down as candidate for Bracknell at the next general election.
"I believe I could be a distraction at a time when he is working to get elected as prime minister with the good working majority necessary to take the tough decisions to turn this country around."I believe I could be a distraction at a time when he is working to get elected as prime minister with the good working majority necessary to take the tough decisions to turn this country around.
I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation Andrew MacKayI hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation Andrew MacKay
"I would never forgive myself if my candidature distracted voters from the key issues and particularly David's rousing call for change."I would never forgive myself if my candidature distracted voters from the key issues and particularly David's rousing call for change.
"It has been both a privilege and huge fun to represent the people of Bracknell for 26 years."It has been both a privilege and huge fun to represent the people of Bracknell for 26 years.
"I understand why people are angry. I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation.""I understand why people are angry. I hope my decision to step down goes some way to showing my constituents how sorry I am about my own situation."
He insisted his decision was not the result of a public meeting on Friday, during which he was heckled by angry constituents. Jan Angell, a Conservative councillor in Bracknell, told BBC News Mr MacKay had "done the honourable thing".
"I've known Andrew for 26 years, he's been an excellent councillor and I find it a very sad day. He's a very hands on MP, very hardworking and I do find it really sad."
Mr MacKay insisted his decision was not the result of a public meeting on Friday, during which he was heckled by angry constituents.
Mr Mackay saying he would stand for reselection - 22 May 2009Mr Mackay saying he would stand for reselection - 22 May 2009
In the meeting, open to all constituents, one man accused him of failing to accept responsibility for his actions and another said he would no longer vote Conservative.In the meeting, open to all constituents, one man accused him of failing to accept responsibility for his actions and another said he would no longer vote Conservative.
But one woman said he had shown courage to face his constituents.But one woman said he had shown courage to face his constituents.
Afterwards, Mr MacKay told reporters he would still stand for reselection, saying he had the backing of most of those at the meeting.Afterwards, Mr MacKay told reporters he would still stand for reselection, saying he had the backing of most of those at the meeting.
But one onlooker, who attended the meeting, accused him of misrepresenting the mood of the meeting and said he was, in fact, "overwhelmingly opposed".But one onlooker, who attended the meeting, accused him of misrepresenting the mood of the meeting and said he was, in fact, "overwhelmingly opposed".
The revelations over MPs' expense claims reported in the Daily Telegraph have led to considerable political fall-out.
The Conservatives have the highest number of casualties, including Douglas Hogg, MP for Sleaford and North Hykeham, Sir Peter Viggers, MP for Gosport, Totnes MP Anthony Steen and now Mr MacKay, who will all stand down at the next election.
Labour has seen Commons speaker Michael Martin resign and Shahid Malik step down as justice minister. Two others, former agriculture minister Elliot Morley and backbencher David Chaytor, have been suspended by the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Earlier on Saturday, senior Labour MP Ian McCartney, for Makerfield, announced he would be standing down at the next election due to poor health and, on Friday, Vale of Glamorgan MP John Smith, said he was also standing down due to his health and a wish to spend more time with his family.