SIX months ago he suffered one of the most spectacular and embarrassing falls from grace ever experienced by a British politician.

Winchester MP Mark Oaten went from high-flying Liberal Democrat leadership contender to laughing stock after his six-month affair with a male prostitute was revealed to the world.

Today, in his first interview since announcing his intention to step down as the city's MP, Mr Oaten says his life is getting back to normal.

Spill the beans He is also promising to spill the beans on his life in politics by writing a book about his experiences when he finally steps down before the next General Election.

Speaking to the Daily Echo almost six months to the day since the scandal broke, the 42-year-old MP said he had decided now was the time to make the announcement after months of pondering the future with his wife, Belinda.

He said: "Belinda and I both came to the decision a while ago, but it seemed right to let people know now.

"Also on my mind is the fact that the single Winchester seat is disappearing at the next election, to be replaced by two new seats.

"Work for that will start in September. For me to take the decision now gives the party time to find two new parliamentary candidates.

"It will also give the candidates longer to get to know their constituents so hopefully they can go on to win the seats."

Turning to his future, Mr Oaten said he hoped to spend more time tackling the issues that mean most to him.

He said: "For the next two or three years the job is being the MP for Winchester.

"But, in terms of what I do in Westminster, now I'm not on the front bench of the Lib Dems, I want to put more energy into the issues I feel strongly about such as human rights and the problems facing the Third World.

"I feel these kind of issues should be above party politics and problems the government tackles as a whole.

"I'm particularly interested in the struggle for human rights, and I feel very strongly about people being held without trial.

"I also think the situation in Africa and other developing nations is appalling. For me, that really puts UK politics into perspective."

He said he now hoped to spend more time working with organisations and charities such as Amnesty and Oxfam.

"I suppose after stepping down my future is a blank canvas really.

"I would like to write a book about my experiences and do more work in the media, but there are no firm plans yet.

"Our children are very happy at their school and we are very happy living in the area, so we certainly won't be moving."

He also said he had been moved by the response from family, friends and voters since the scandal about his private life broke in January.

Support He said: "Over the last six months I have had so much support and it has meant so much to me and to my family. The support from my constituents was also very touching.

"It has been a rollercoaster ride for me and my family, from the two votes we won, right through to the disastrous revelations about my private life.

"There have been some real highs and lows but throughout it has been a privilege to serve Winchester as its MP.

"It will be very sad to leave but equally having the freedom to do whatever I want will be a pleasure."