FAREHAM MP Mark Hoban has announced today he will be stepping down from parliament at May's General Election.

In a letter to Tom Fyfe, the Chairman of Fareham Conservatives, Mark said: "After 14 years in Parliament I believe that it is time to start a new chapter in my life so I have decided not to restand in May’s General Election.

"This has been a difficult decision but the right one. It is time to turn a new page and take on some new challenges.

"It has been a privilege to have been the Member of Parliament for Fareham since 2001.

"In that time, together we have more than doubled the majority. I have been able to help thousands of residents with their problems.

"After a hectic week in Westminster, visits to our excellent schools and college, thriving businesses and vibrant voluntary sector always reinvigorate me. We have much to be proud of in Fareham.

"I found my 11 years on the front bench in both Opposition and Government challenging and rewarding.

"Few people have the opportunity to serve their country in government and I was very lucky to have been a minister in the Treasury and the Department of Work and Pensions.

"During my time as Financial Secretary to the Treasury, I am particularly proud of the work I led to restructure financial services regulation in the UK in the aftermath of the financial crisis.

"As Minister for Employment, I drove the performance of our back to work programmes helping more people find jobs and secure their future.

"Returning to the backbenches has given me the opportunity to campaign on local issues, such as A&E and diabetes care. But it is time to move on and embrace new opportunities.

"I am grateful for the friendship and support I have received from local people since 2001.

"My wife, Fiona, has been by my side throughout my political journey. The spotlight falls on the politician but credit must also go to the family and friends who keep us going.

"Whoever succeeds me in Fareham will, as I have, love both the place and the people."