Lib Dem MP Willis to stand down

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Mr Willis seized the formerly safe Conservative seat of Harrogate and Knaresborough by defeating ex-Chancellor Norman Lamont in 1997 and made it into a Lib Dem stronghold in North Yorkshire, receiving more than 50% of the vote in three successive elections.

The 65-year-old former headteacher was a Lib Dem frontbench spokesman on education for eight years and is now chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee on Science and Technology.

In a letter to his local party, he said: "It has always been my aim to bow out of frontline politics at the top and when I am doing the job as I want to do it."

Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell said: "Phil Willis has been a much valued colleague and friend since he was elected to the House of Commons.

"His direct, no-nonsense analysis of political issues has been an abiding characteristic, together with his eloquent and tireless advocacy on behalf of his constituents.

"At Westminster he has acquired a reputation for common sense and commitment.

"In the chair of the Select Committee on Science and Technology he has provided outstanding leadership on discussion of many complex scientific and moral issues."