EXCLUSIVE By Giles Gwinnett

MARK Oaten says he wants to quit on a high note when he stands down as Winchester MP at the next general election.

Speaking exclusively to the Hampshire Chronicle at his Westminster office, Mr Oaten said he wanted to work as hard as he could to rebuild his reputation before stepping down.

"Hopefully, people will then say nice things about me in two years time," he said.

His decision to go comes six months after the politician hit the headlines when it emerged he had an affair with a male prostitute, and stood down as Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesman.

This week's announcement is the beginning of the end of what was once a bright political career, which has lasted nearly a decade.

The 42-year-old, who lives in Bramdean, and was once one of the contenders for the party's leadership, admitted that the revelations about his private life had played a "contributing" part in his decision to quit politics.

But despite the traumas of recent months, he said the time had been among the happiest for him and his family.

For the forseeable future, he would continue to serve his constituents, and was looking forward to new challenges in Westminster, including focusing on Third World issues. Beyond that, he said he wanted to remain a public servant.

The announcement was timed to coincide with the end of Parliament and to allow the local Lib Dems time to begin the process of selecting candidates for two new seats, when the constituency is split.

For the full story, see this week's Hampshire Chronicle