Beith announces intention to stand again as MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed constituency

12.06.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 26th Jun 2007

Liberal Democrat MP for Berwick-upon-Tweed Alan Beith has announced that he intends to stand again at the next General Election. Mr Beith is now the longest-serving MP in the history of the Berwick constituency having recently exceeded Sir Edward Grey's record of 33 years.

Mr Beith said,

"It's a privilege to represent the Berwick-upon-Tweed Constituency and I would be very happy seek the support of the voters to continue to do so."

Responding to the announcement, Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat MEP for the North East said,

"I am delighted that Alan Beith intends to stand again. His commitment to the Berwick constituency is total, and the service he provides as an MP is an example to politicians everywhere."

Isabel Hunter, Leader of Berwick Borough Council, said

"We are fortunate to have Alan Beith as our MP and I hope the voters will continue to back him and the Liberal Democrats here in Berwick. The Liberal Democrats at Berwick Borough Council are very conscious of the support he gives us and vice versa - it's a real team effort here, and Alan is a key part of that team."

Roger Styring, Leader of Alnwick District Council agrees. He said

"I have known and worked with Alan Beith for many years and I value his help and support, particularly in my new role as Leader of Alnwick District Council. He is very well respected for his hard work and commitment to the Berwick Constituency and we are lucky to have him here."

Andrew Tebbutt, Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on Castle Morpeth Borough Council added,

"We are very, very pleased that Alan Beith intends to stand again. We only wish he could represent the whole of Castle Morpeth Borough. He is an inspiration, and many people tell us how much they admire him."

The constituency will be extended at the next election to include a further 600 voters in the Belsay and Capheaton area of Castle Morpeth Borough.

A motion to re-select Mr Beith will be heard at the Berwick-upon-Tweed Constituency Liberal Democrats' AGM in November 2007.