Tory MP Julie Kirkbride has finally decided to stand down at the next general election after heavy criticism of her expenses claims.
The backbencher had been reconsidering her initial plan to quit, which she disclosed in a letter to party leader David Cameron in May after getting caught up in the expenses scandal.
But Ms Kirkbride informed her Bromsgrove constituents that she would not be fighting the next election after all.
It is understood that she discussed the issue recently with Mr Cameron. In a Christmas message on her website, Ms Kirkbride said: "I want to take this opportunity to confirm to you, my constituents, that I will not be representing you all after the next general election. I am sad to be leaving but this is entirely my decision. I would like to wish my association the very best of luck as they find my successor in the new year."
Ms Kirkbride would have been a likely target of protest over the expenses row had she stood again at the next election. She was embroiled in the scandal along with her husband, fellow Tory MP Andrew Mackay. Ms Kirkbride claimed thousands of pounds against their family home in her Worcestershire constituency, while Mr Mackay claimed on the property they shared in London. He represents Bracknell in Berkshire but has no base there. He has also decided to stand down at the election. The scheme meant all the couple's accommodation was effectively paid for by the taxpayer, sparking widespread anger among voters and an anti-Kirkbride petition in Bromsgrove.
Meanwhile, the Conservative Party disclosed that shadow ministers have been asked to pay back another £25,000 in expenses after Sir Thomas Legg's audit of past claims
Shadow defence secretary Liam Fox had the biggest bill, of £7,984.28 in mortgage interest, maintenance and council tax claims on his second home.
Opposition chief whip Patrick McLoughlin was asked to re-pay £4,058.54 in cleaning and mortgage interest. Shadow international development secretary Andrew Mitchell faced a demand for £2,673.33 he claimed towards council tax and mortgage interest. Caroline Spelman, the shadow communities secretary, was asked for £2,167.51 in cleaning, utilities and telephone bills.
The amounts - totalling £24,782.18 for shadow cabinet members - were requested in Sir Thomas's final round of demand letters sent to MPs earlier this week. They are in addition to earlier demands by Sir Thomas and voluntary repayments made independently of his audit process.
All shadow ministers have agreed to meet his requests - unlike 80 other MPs who have filed appeals with former judge Sir Paul Kennedy. The Tories challenged the Cabinet to follow suit and publish Sir Thomas's demands of them.
