Tory MP Patrick Mercer resigns party whip

The Conservative MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire, Patrick Mercer, has resigned the party whip and announced he will stand down at the next general election, due in 2015.

In a statement, Mr Mercer cited a BBC Panorama investigation into the alleged breaking of parliamentary lobbying regulations as the reason for his decision.

"Panorama are planning to broadcast a programme alleging that I have broken Parliamentary rules", he said.

"I am taking legal advice about these allegations - and I have referred myself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.

"In the meantime, to save my Party embarrassment, I have resigned the Conservative Whip and have so informed (Conservative Chief Whip) Sir George Young.

"I have also decided not to stand at the next General Election."

The Prime Minister, David Cameron who is on holiday, is "aware" of the news. A spokesperson for the PM said:

"He thinks Patrick Mercer has done the right thing in referring himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and resigning the whip.

"It is important that the due processes take their course."

Mr Mercer is a former British Army Colonel. After leaving the Army he became a journalist, working for the BBC as a defence reporter.

He became MP for Newark in 2001, retaining the seat in 2005 and 2010. He has a majority of more than 16,000.