DARTFORD MP Dr Howard Stoate has announced he will stand down at the next election.

Dr Stoate, who wishes to carry on in his job as a GP, says calls for MPs to give up outside work has left him with no choice but to resign.

The Labour MP who was elected in 1997 said: “It is clear from the tenor of recent debates in the Commons and from the position taken by senior figures within the Parliamentary Labour Party with regard to the outside work of MPs that this position is no longer tenable.

“It is apparent that Labour candidates standing for Parliament at the next election will be expected to give up their outside jobs if they are elected.”

The 55-year-old married father-of-two added: “I respect this view but I think that my own contribution to the work of Parliament would be diminished if I was to give up General Practice which is why I have decided not to stand as a candidate at the next general election.

“It is a decision I take with some sadness, but I feel that I have made a significant contribution to Westminster and to life in Dartford and I look back on my record with a sense of pride and satisfaction.”

What is your reaction to Dr Stoate announcing he will stand down? In his 12 years as Dartford MP, do you feel he has made a significant contribution to his constituency? Leave your comments below.