by political editor Paul Francis

Tonbridge and Malling MP Sir John Stanley has announced he is to retire at the next election.

The veteran Conservative MP, who was elected to Parliament in 1974, is set to step down from one of the safest Conservative seats in the county.

Sir John, 70, told his party of his plan at a meeting of the local constituency association last night.

He has had a distinguished career in politics, serving as a minister three times - in defence, housing and Northern Ireland.

He was also a parliamentary private secretary to Margaret Thatcher when she was leader of the opposition.

More recently, he has been at the forefront of calls by Kent MPs for improvements to rail services run by operator Southeastern and has strongly opposed rail fare increases.

Sir John's seat has one of the most comfortable majorities in the south east - more than 18,000.

The decision could open the way for fellow Kent MP Hugh Robertson to find a new seat, as his constituency of Faversham and Mid Kent is set to be scrapped under a boundary review.