Devon MP to stand down

John Burnett has been a constituency MP since 1997

A Devon MP has announced he is to retire from his seat at the next general election.

John Burnett, the Liberal Democrat MP for Torridge and West Devon, will stand down from his constituency.

Mr Burnett won the seat in 1997 after Emma Nicholson defected to the Liberal Democrats from the Conservatives and decided not to stand again.

The 57-year-old was re-elected in 2001 with a slightly reduced majority.

During his time as MP, Mr Burnett has been deeply involved in the foot and mouth crisis after the early cases appeared in his constituency.

As a former Royal Marine, he has often campaigned against cuts in Britain's defence forces, and most recently has supported Appledore shipyard's survival battle, trying to get government support.

Before becoming an MP, Mr Burnett served for six years as an officer in the Royal Marine Commandos, and then began a dual career as a solicitor and cattle breeder.