The Conservative backbencher Mr Andrew Hunter has announced that he is quitting the party to stand for the Northern Ireland Assembly, as a member of Dr Ian Paisley's Democratic Unionist Party. In a letter to the Conservative leader Mr Iain Duncan Smith, the Basingstoke MP said he would quit Westminster at the next general election.
He said: "As you know, I have a long-standing and deep interest in the affairs of Northern Ireland.
"It has been suggested that I stand for the Northern Ireland Assembly in the elections next May as a DUP candidate."
Mr Hunter, an MP since 1983, said he would become an independent Conservative for the remainder of this parliament, as under the Tory Party constitution he would be unable to stand for Stormont.
"I remain one of your most loyal supporters and I shall continue to support you in the House of Commons," Mr Hunter added.
His wife Jan's poor health was a further reason for moving - they intend to buy a farm in the North.
Mr Duncan Smith said: "I'm very sorry that Andrew has decided to retire from Westminster politics but I fully understand his reasons."
"I appreciate the dignified way that Andrew has conducted his announcement, he will always be a friend of the party and a friend of mine."