BBC News | UK POLITICS | Tory MP to step down

Former Attorney General Sir Nicholas Lyell has announced he is to step down as an MP at the next General Election.

Sir Nicholas, the MP for North East Bedfordshire, told his constituency annual general meeting: "It is a very difficult decision but I believe the time has come to make way for a younger candidate.

"I shall continue to help in every way I can to put the case for Bedfordshire and to play an active part in Conservative and national politics in whatever capacity I may be asked.

"I will continue to support wholeheartedly the leadership of William Hague."

'Tireless servant'

Sir Nicholas QC, 61, served in the governments of both John Major and Margaret Thatcher for 11 years.

He was initially parliamentary under secretary of state for social security from 1986 to 1987, solicitor general from 1987 to 1992 and attorney general from 1992 to 1997.

He was the longest continuously serving law officer for more than 100 years.