Lib Dem MP announces retirement
The Liberal Democrat MP for Cheltenham is to step down at the next general election.
Nigel Jones, who suffered two heart attacks in 2002, said he was bowing out of politics for health reasons.
“Politicians often say they want to spend more time with their family, sometimes it’s an excuse to mask a sacking from the cabinet, or a row with their party leader,” he said.
“In my case it’s genuine. When your family and doctors team up to give you the same message, it’s impossible to ignore them.”
Mr Jones was severely injured when Robert Ashman attacked him with a samurai sword in January 2000 at his constituency office.
The 56-year old’s friend, Andrew Pennington, was killed in the assault.
Mr Jones was elected as Cheltenham MP in 1992.
