Sir Alan Haselhurst steps down after 40 years as MP

"I have had time during the last seven days to consult many people, not least my family and reflect on the unexpected situation which has arisen. Whilst I have no doubt as to my capacity and commitment to carry out my representative duties I have begun to recognise that it might test the friendship and goodwill of so many people whose support I have enjoyed if I sought to do so for a further five years. I feel now that my initial instinctive response was premature and that I should not after all seek re-election for the Saffron Walden constituency in whose debt I am for the privilege of being granted 40 years’ service.