Lib Dem Mark Oaten to stand down as MP

8.52.20am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 26th Jul 2006

Mr Oaten says he wants to change careers

Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten is to stand down at the next general election. The 42-year-old MP has ended speculation over his political future by announcing he will not contest his Winchester seat. The former Lib Dem home affairs spokesman has said he wants to change careers when he stands down and concentrate on development issues.

In a brief statement, he said: "I will continue to work for all my constituents both locally and at Westminster, where I also hope to focus on human rights and Third World development issues. At the time of the next election I will have served over 12 years as an MP and, having spoken with my wife Belinda, we feel it will be the right time for us to take on new challenges."

Liberal Democrat chief whip Paul Burstow said: "Mark has always been a hard working MP representing the interests of his constituents since first being elected to Parliament in 1997. Winchester will continue to benefit from his hard work, both locally and at Westminster."