FORMER MP STEPS DOWN AS CANDIDATE

6.02.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Thu 17th May 2007

Former Liberal Democrat MP for Ludlow, Matthew Green

Former Liberal Democrat MP for Ludlow, Matthew Green is stepping down as Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Ludlow to concentrate on his planning consultancy business Green Planning Solutions LLP.

Matthew Green said "When I started my planning consultancy in 2005, I could not have anticipated the growth of the business. Although I am in the process of recruiting additional staff much of the business is dependent on my time. I am regularly working 16 hour days, I also need to spend time with my family and eventually something has to give".

Matthew Green added "It's a frustrating decision to come to as I had hoped to return to the House of Commons and become part of Ming Campbell's team, who is a leader I support and admire. However I have to ensure that I do not artificially hold back a burgeoning business".