Wirral South MP Ben Chapman to stand down at next election

May 21 2009 By Lorna Hughes

Ben Chapman

WIRRAL South MP Ben Chapman says he will stand down at the next General Election.

The MP said this afternoon that his decision followed days of "hurtful" publicity over claims he had claimed £15,000 from the taxpayer to cover interest payments on a mortgage that had already been substantially cleared.

He said: "I maintain that I have done nothing wrong and have acted in good faith and with absolute transparency throughout. The House of Commons Fees Office have expressed their apologies and regret that the advice they gave me was incorrect.

"But the publicity in the Daily Telegraph and subsequently elsewhere has been hurtful to my family, friends and local party members and supporters.

"I have therefore decided to stand down at the next General Election. I will not be commenting further until Parliament resumes after the recess next week."

Mr Chapman told of his desire not to inflict further "harm" on his local party in the key marginal seat - and continued to declare his innocence.

But he said: "The pressure is too great. I may be able to withstand it, but my family should not have to."