by Sarah Shaffi

sshaffi@thekmgroup.co.uk

MP Bob Marshall-Andrews has had a tough last year in office, but will fondly remember his time in the Towns.

Speaking exclusively to the Medway Messenger the barrister, who will retire at the next general election, acknowledged the past year had been hard for politicians in the wake of the expenses scandal.

But the Labour MP, labelled a maverick by peers and the media, has savoured his time as a representative for the Medway Towns.

He said: “The expenses scandal is very, very damaging and very, very unpleasant. I think this has made all of us feel alienated. I haven’t enjoyed the past year and I don’t think many national politicians have.

“But I have had a wonderful time as MP. I will miss the House of Commons a lot and the Towns.”

Mr Marshall-Andrews was elected to the Medway seat in 1997, turning a Conservative majority of 8,000 into a Labour majority of 5,000.

Although he is leaving politics, the MP said he will still be involved in the general election campaign, but plans to take a back seat.

He said: “It looks as though the election is going to be a close-run thing. It is quite inevitable that people should feel after 13 years of one party in power that that in itself may well be enough.

“On the other hand, you look at another party and question it. It is going to be exciting.

“I will be involved in the upcoming election, although I think it is a good idea to take a bit of a back seat.”

After standing down, Mr

Marshall-Andrews plans on keeping himself busy with a variety of projects.

He said: “I have a book to write and I am just about young enough to have my final part of my career at the bar.

“I don’t want to completely lose touch with the Medway Towns. I want to give what assistance I can. I’d like people to think what a good constituency this is.”

For full exclusive interview see today's (Friday) Medway Messenger