Jonathan Isaby broke the news yesterday evening that Anthony Steen won't be seeking re-election as Conservative MP for Totnes.
Just interviewed on Radio 4's World at One Mr Steen blamed Labour's Freedom of Information Act for revealing his use of taxpayer-funded allowances for £88,000 of work on his million-pound Devon mansion.
He said that he had felt no pressure from David Cameron but made his decision after taking soundings and finding his constituents "beside themselves with anger". He accused them of "jealousy".
"What right does the public have to interfere with my private life?" he asked and replied: "None."
Extraordinary. You won't be missed Mr Steen.
Tim Montgomerie
(I'll post a Listen Again link as soon as I get it).
2.30pm:
Thanks Simon Chapman for the link!
4.30pm: Anthony Steen's letter to David Cameron:
"Dear David,
I have enjoyed every moment working for the people of Totnes for the last 26 years since they honoured me by electing me their MP in 1983. Prior to that, I was proud to represent Liverpool Wavertree for nine years.
My wife and I are both grateful for the welcome we have always received from the people of Devon, and it has been an honour to represent them.
I am especially grateful to those who came up to me last Saturday offering me their support in Fore Street, Totnes, where I spent several hours. We are also grateful to all those who have sent emails and letters of support and encouragement.
However, the country is in trouble. The job of an MP is to fight for their constituents. The job of the Government is to fight for their people.
Gordon Brown, and his inadvertent allies - the Lib Dems - have to shoulder a huge part of the blame for the situation our country is in. The best team to lead this country – to fix the Blair/Brown legacy – is without doubt you and the Conservative Party.
I have sometimes been described as unconventional, but I believe I am a principled and independent thinker, one of my fundamental aims being to stick up for the underdog. My voting record is virtually identical to yours, including on transparency, and I have always supported you 100%.
Although all my reimbursement/claims were within the set guidelines and parameters, and all accepted and paid by the Fees Office, and made in good faith; I have come to the following decision: -
I will not let my work over the last 35 years, and nine Elections, or your work since you became Leader, be undermined by electing someone other than a Conservative MP in Totnes.
I will therefore not stand for re-election at the next General Election, and I will give the new Conservative Candidate for Totnes my full support and endorsement.
Many have suggested that people should not vote for any of the major parties. They are absolutely wrong. People must choose based on policy, vision and leadership. Brown and Labour have muddled policies and no vision. Voting for the Lib Dems is a back door endorsement of Gordon Brown’s failed Government. Voting UKIP is nothing more than a protest vote to be enjoyed for a weekend but with a hangover that could last for up to five years.
I will continue to support and vote for you, your Leadership and above all, your integrity. I will be campaigning with the next Conservative M.P. for Totnes."
