COLIN BREED MP TO RETIRE AT THE NEXT GENERAL ELECTION

3.45.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 8th Oct 2007

Colin in the House of Commons

Colin Breed, Liberal Democrat MP for South East Cornwall has announced that he will not seek re-election at the next general election.

Mr Breed, who this year celebrated his tenth year as MP for South East Cornwall, will not seek the nomination of his local party to be their parliamentary candidate and will retire as an MP following the next general election. He has won the Cornish seat convincingly at the last three general elections, his majority currently standing at 6,507.

Mr Breed said:

"It has been an absolute privilege and pleasure to represent South East Cornwall for the last ten years."

"During my time as MP I have served on the Liberal Democrats Treasury team, and as Defence and Agriculture spokesperson for my party - this has given me the opportunity to work to hold the government to account on how it spends our taxes, defend our armed forces and get the best deal for local farmers. Above all I have done my best to speak up loudly for local people and fight for what is best for South East Cornwall."

"South East Cornwall Liberal Democrats have gone from strength to strength in the last ten years - I have been honoured to be elected three times as MP, and to see the Liberal Democrats in control of Cornwall County Council and this year take control of Caradon District Council is extremely satisfying."

"I have every confidence that local people will continue to support a Liberal Democrat MP. My local party will now begin the process of choosing their next parliamentary candidate. I would like to wish my successor every success, and hope that they enjoy the job as much as I have."