Douglas Hogg to Stand Down

Douglas Hogg has announced he will stand down from Parliament at the next election. From the soundings I have taken over the past few days I suspect he will be one of many, in all parties. I don't know him very well, but he is an assiduous attender of Conservative History Group meetings! Here's Douglas Hogg's statement...

"I entirely understand the public anger that has erupted over expenses. The current system is deeply flawed; we parliamentarians have got it wrong and I apologise for that failure which is both collective and personal. In view of David Cameron’s campaign for an early election - which I strongly support - I have decided that now is the time to tell the Sleaford and North Hykeham Association that I will not be standing in the coming election. This will give them time to select a new candidate to best represent local and national interests.”