News reaches me via the indispensable Twitter feed of the Evening Standard's Paul Waugh is to step down as MP for South West Norfolk at the general election.
Mr Fraser came under fire from the Daily Telegraph earlier in the week for his claims on allowances to fund trees for his garden and over the fact that he designated his main home as that in his former constituency in Dorset.
Under fire in his local papers, he put out a statement justifying his claims but was still the subject of stories in his local paper this morning.
However, Mr Fraser is saying that his decision to leave the Commons is not related to the expenses stories, but rather is owing to the fact that he is finding it difficult to juggle family life and his wife's ill health with the duties of being an MP.
He has just issued the following statement:
“I have never sought re-selection for South West Norfolk because I have for some time been seriously considering whether to go forward after the next General Election. My wife’s ongoing health problems and the major operation that she had last year have made it difficult to juggle my family life with my duties as an MP.
"It has been a privilege to serve South West Norfolk, and I have enjoyed the work enormously. I hope that I have in some small way been able to make a difference for the people who have come to me for help. With great sadness, I have decided not to seek re-selection for the next election.
“I pledge absolute support to David Cameron and the Conservative Party, and will work between now and the general election for the Conservative government that the country urgently needs.
“The Lynn News has seen a complete copy of my ACA claims and reported accordingly. My decision has nothing to do with this issue. I, like colleagues, have submitted my expenses to the Scrutiny Committee of the Conservative Party, which I believe is the right way forward.”
Jonathan Isaby
