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| Sir Menzies Campbell to stand down as MP in 2015 | Sir Menzies Campbell to stand down as MP in 2015 |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has announced he will to stand down as an MP at the next general election, due in May 2015. | Former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell has announced he will to stand down as an MP at the next general election, due in May 2015. |
| Sir Menzies, or Ming as he is widely known, said he had written to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to inform him of his decision. | Sir Menzies, or Ming as he is widely known, said he had written to Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg to inform him of his decision. |
| He has served as MP for North East Fife since 1987 and was leader of the Lib Dems from 2006-07. | He has served as MP for North East Fife since 1987 and was leader of the Lib Dems from 2006-07. |
| Sir Menzies said it had been "an enormous privilege" to serve as an MP. | Sir Menzies said it had been "an enormous privilege" to serve as an MP. |
| During his career representing his "wonderful" Scottish constituency, he said: "My wife and I have made many friends and have been supported by constituents of all political persuasions and none. | |
| "It is always a regret to begin the process of retiring from the House of Commons but I believe now is the time to start." | |
| The Lib Dem MP told the BBC he was leaving because of his age. He will be 80 when the next Parliament is due to end. | |
| "I have had a good innings but it's time to give someone else a go," he told the BBC News Channel's chief political correspondent Norman Smith. | |
| He had contemplated leaving Parliament after he resigned as Liberal Democrat leader, he added. | |
| There is speculation that Sir Ming will be offered a place in the House of Lords. | |
| Sir Menzies first stood as a candidate for the Liberal Democrats seat in 1976, but did not win his constituency for 11 years. | |
| He had originally intended to stand for two Parliaments, he told the BBC, but he has now have served in six Parliaments. | |
| In his first career as a sprinter, he held the UK 100 metres record from 1967-74 and ran in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. | |
| He later became a QC, and spoke for his party on foreign affairs, defence and Europe for more than a decade. | |
| Earlier this year, he was included in the Queen's Birthday Honours list, which cited him as "one of the most respected politicians of his generation". | |
| "It is a complete surprise. I am delighted and honoured," he said at the time. | |
| "Other contemporary holders include Lord Coe and Judi Dench, and it is a privilege to join such company." |