Matthew Green stands down as candidate for Ludlow

12.22.22pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 29th May 2007

Matthew Green

Ludlow's former MP, Matthew Green, is stepping down as Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate as a result of the unexpectedly rapid expansion of his planning consultancy business Green Planning Solutions LLP.

Matthew Green said: "When I started my planning consultancy in 2005, I could not have anticipated the growth of the business. Although I am in the process of recruiting additional staff much of the business is dependent on my time. I am regularly working 16 hour days, I also need to spend time with my family and eventually something has to give.

"I came to this decision just over a month ago and Ming Campbell was told in the middle of April. I delayed announcing it until after the local elections so that my announcement would not affect results locally.

"It's a frustrating decision to come to as I had hoped to return to the House of Commons and become part of Ming Campbell's team, who is a leader I support and admire. However I have to ensure that I do not artificially hold back a burgeoning business.

"It is equally frustrating as Ludlow can clearly be won back for the Lib Dems. With a Conservative MP who has made little impact in the Commons and with that all too familiar arrogance returning to some of the local Conservative members and councillors, I don't think it will be long before the seat switches again.

"I am only thirty-seven so I do not rule out a return to frontline politics in the future, but for the moment those ambitions have to be put on the back-burner. I will continue to help and campaign for Lib Dems LibDems locally and nationally as much as time permits.

"As I said in May 2005, I am immensely proud to have had the honour to serve Ludlow Constituency as MP for four years. Can I once again thank the voters and everyone who helped in my campaigns for allowing me that privilege."