Don Foster, the MP for Bath, Deputy Chief Whip in the House of Commons and Lib Dem Chief Whip, has announced his intention to stand down in May 2015.
Announcing his intention to stand down as Bath’s MP at the next election in May 2015, Foster said:
“After what will have been 23 wonderful years, this has been a very difficult decision to make. It has been an enormous privilege since 1992 to serve the people of this great city through five parliamentary sessions.
“However, my task is not over: there are 17 months before the next election. I have every intention of continuing to do all I can to work with and for local people. I will do my utmost to ensure that Bath continues to grow from strength to strength as a great place in which to live and work.”
Commenting, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: “Don has been an outstanding MP and will be hugely missed by his constituents and his colleagues, in Parliament. His energy, humour and tenacity are unrivalled and I have seen first-hand Don’s tireless efforts to serve Bath as an MP and Britain as a Minister.
“After 33 years as a public servant – as a local councillor on Avon County Council and as MP for Bath – Don will be hugely missed. And with five stunning victories behind him, he leaves big shoes to fill.”
Cllr Paul Crossley, Lib Dem Leader of B&NES added: “Don has been a great servant for Bath and its people since his election in 1992 and will be a hard act to follow.
“Over the years Don has achieved many notable things in Parliament which have had a national impact such as getting increased government funding for public transport to increasing the energy efficiency of new buildings and has reached the heights of Minister and then Chief Whip in his political career.
“Locally Don has always seen it as an important part of his role as MP to work with the local Council and it has been an honour, as Leader of the Council, to work with Don for many years.
“His achievements have been many; from getting Stothert & Pitt pensioners protected after the Maxwell saga to solving the tour bus regulations which were blighting Bath in the 1990s and from getting government funding for Combe Down Stone mines to getting student accommodation recognised by Government as counting towards our housing provision.
“I wish Don well in retirement and am sure he will be busy.”
Shaun McGall, Chair of the Bath and North East Somerset Lib Dems said: “Don has been an exceptional advocate for Bath and its residents over the last twenty years.
“The local Executive is meeting on Thursday evening for discussions on starting the process to select an excellent Liberal Democrat candidate to stand in the May 2015 General Election and to help build a stronger economy in a fairer society.”
