Controversial Staffordshire MP Aidan Burley, who hit the headlines for a row over a Nazi-themed stag party, is standing down.

The Conservative MP will quit Parliament at the 2015 general election.

Cannock Chase MP Aidan Burley was sacked as a ministerial aide when reports of the episode emerged in 2011, and an internal party inquiry last month found he was "stupid and offensive" to have organised the party.

Groom Mark Fournier was fined 1,500 euro (£1,250) by a French court for wearing an SS uniform and insignia supplied by the MP.

Mr Burley said: "After a difficult time I have decided to announce I will stand down at the next general election. I will continue to work for the people of Cannock Chase until that election, and look forward to supporting my successor, as soon as he or she is selected, to ensure that Labour have no chance of re-taking this seat."

Announcing his decision not to stand in 2015 Mr Burley said: "It was a wonderful surprise to win the seat of Cannock Chase in May 2010 with the biggest swing in the country and it has been a huge privilege to represent the people of Cannock Chase in Parliament over the past four years.

"I am grateful to all those who voted for me and supported our campaign which led to our famous victory, winning a seat which had been held by Labour for 18 years.

"In particular I would like to thank my agent Ian Collard, without whom none of this would have been possible, and who has been my rock of support since being selected as the Conservative candidate in July 2008.

"I am proud to have been able to deliver many positive things for our area since our election success, including spearheading the campaign to save Cannock Chase Hospital from the administrators' axe, running four local jobs fairs to help get people back into work, and securing £35 million to electrify the Chase Line. That is what really matters to local people in their day to day lives."

Tory chairman Grant Shapps said: "Aidan has a strong record in his constituency from securing the future of Cannock Chase Hospital, to setting up local job fairs and getting hundreds of people back to work.

"He has served his constituents with dedication and commitment.

"I wish him the best of luck with whatever he does next. "

  • Read more: Flashback to 2011 and political editor Jonathan Walker watches Aidan Burley highlight the Tory divisions on Europe.