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26/07/2006
Mark Oaten to stand down as MP
Liberal Democrat MP Mark Oaten has announced that he will step down as an MP at the next General Election.
The 42-year-old Winchester MP quit his position as the party's home affairs spokesperson in January following revelations of his affair with a male prostitute.
Prior to this, Mr Oaten had dropped out of the party's leadership contest, citing a lack of support from colleagues.
Mr Oaten, who is married with two children, said that he wanted to change careers and concentrate on human rights and development issues. However, he pledged to continue to work for all his constituents both locally and at Westminster during his remaining time as MP.
Commenting on Mr Oaten's decision, his Conservative opponent at the last General Election, George Hollingbery, said: "There has been speculation that he should step down, so I'm not surprised.
"The recent district council elections here in Winchester also demonstrated that voters did not like what Mark did and voted his party from power.
"There is no doubt Mark has been a diligent MP for Winchester, but politically his time was over."
(KMcA/SP)
The 42-year-old Winchester MP quit his position as the party's home affairs spokesperson in January following revelations of his affair with a male prostitute.
Prior to this, Mr Oaten had dropped out of the party's leadership contest, citing a lack of support from colleagues.
Mr Oaten, who is married with two children, said that he wanted to change careers and concentrate on human rights and development issues. However, he pledged to continue to work for all his constituents both locally and at Westminster during his remaining time as MP.
Commenting on Mr Oaten's decision, his Conservative opponent at the last General Election, George Hollingbery, said: "There has been speculation that he should step down, so I'm not surprised.
"The recent district council elections here in Winchester also demonstrated that voters did not like what Mark did and voted his party from power.
"There is no doubt Mark has been a diligent MP for Winchester, but politically his time was over."
(KMcA/SP)
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Oaten withdraws from Lib Dem leadership race
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Mark Oaten has withdrawn from the Liberal Democrat leadership contest. Mr Oaten, the party's home affairs spokesperson, was the second candidate to announce his intention to stand, following Charles Kennedy's resignation. It is widely believed that the 41-year-old Winchester MP stood down due to a lack of support among MPs.
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