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11/08/2009
MP Ancram To Stand Down
Tory MP Michael Ancram will not run for Parliament at the next general election, he revealed today.
The aristocrat has represented Devizes in the Commons since 1992, but today said he would not seek re-election due to health reasons.
Writing to his local constituency chair, Mr Ancram - who is also the 13th Marquess of Lothian - said he has been on heart medication for the last six years, adding that his decision had been "forced upon me by considerations of health".
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague paid tribute to Mr Ancram, highlighting his contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.
Former party leader Mr Hague described the veteran politician as a "much-valued colleague".
Mr Ancram said: "I have recently had to consider the effects of the pressures of another five years of parliamentary and constituency duties upon my health.
"I have also taken into consideration the fact that I will be almost 65 at the time when the election is likely to be held. I have reluctantly concluded that for the sake of my family and myself the time has come for me to stand down."
(PR/KMcA)
The aristocrat has represented Devizes in the Commons since 1992, but today said he would not seek re-election due to health reasons.
Writing to his local constituency chair, Mr Ancram - who is also the 13th Marquess of Lothian - said he has been on heart medication for the last six years, adding that his decision had been "forced upon me by considerations of health".
Shadow foreign secretary William Hague paid tribute to Mr Ancram, highlighting his contribution to the Northern Ireland peace process.
Former party leader Mr Hague described the veteran politician as a "much-valued colleague".
Mr Ancram said: "I have recently had to consider the effects of the pressures of another five years of parliamentary and constituency duties upon my health.
"I have also taken into consideration the fact that I will be almost 65 at the time when the election is likely to be held. I have reluctantly concluded that for the sake of my family and myself the time has come for me to stand down."
(PR/KMcA)
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