PHIL Willis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, revealed today he will stand down at the next General Election.
He said he was fulfilling his aim of bowing out of front-line politics while at the top.
Senior party figures heaped praise on Mr Willis, who lives at Rufforth, near York, and has been an MP since 1997.
Liberal Democrat leader Menzies Campbell said he had been a "much valued colleague and friend" since being elected. "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," he said.
Former Leader Charles Kennedy MP 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."
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