Lib Dem MP steps down
Liberal Democrat MP Phil Willis has announced he will not stand at the next general election.
Mr Willetts was first elected in 1997 after beating Norman Lamont, the former chancellor of the exchequer, to become MP for Harrowgate and Knaresborough.
A former headmaster, he was Lib Dem education and skills secretary from 1999 to 2005, and succeeded Ian Gibson as chair of the commons select committee on science and technology following the 2005 general election.
It is an appropriate time in British politics for Mr Willis to make the announcement, given the revelation yesterday that Gordon Brown will stand for the Labour leadership unopposed.
In 2006, Mr Willis pledged to force a leadership election in the Liberal Democrat party by standing for leader if there would otherwise be a ‘shoo-in’. Two other candidates – Chris Huhne and Simon Hughes – stepped in to challenge Menzies Campbell and Mr Willis was not forced to stand.
Campbell’s victory left the post of deputy leader available. Mr Willis briefly considered running but decided against submitting a nomination.
Former Lib Dem leader Charles Kennedy said: “Phil Willis is a man of great integrity and has always shown admirable independence of spirit in his political life. He has been an outstanding MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough and will be much missed.
“I feel honoured to count him as a most trusted and valuable friend and I wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
