SEX-scandal-hit Winchester MP Mark Oaten is to leave Parliament at the next general election.

The 42-year-old Liberal Democrat has ended speculation over his political future by saying he will not contest his Winchester seat.

The move had been anticipated in political circles after allegations that Mr Oaten paid rent boys for sex acts emerged in January this year, forcing him to resign as his party's Home Affairs Spokesman.

Just days earlier, married Mr Oaten quit the leadership contest for his party citing a lack of support from colleagues.

In a statement, Mr Oaten said: "At the next general election, my Winchester constituency will be replaced by two new seats and I have confirmed to the local party that I do not intend to contest either of the new constituencies.

"I hope that prospective Parliamentary candidates can be found at the earliest opportunity and I would like to offer them and the party my full support.

"I will continue to work for all my constituents both locally and at Westminster, where I also hope to focus on human rights and Third World development issues.

"At the time of the next election I will have served over 12 years as an MP and, having spoken with my wife Belinda, we feel it will be the right time for us to take on new challenges."

Intense media coverage has surrounded Mr Oaten and his wife of 14 years since the News of the World allegations broke and Mr Oaten apologised for "errors of judgment".