LIBERAL DEMOCRAT Michael Carr has decided to call time on his ambition to become MP for Ribble Valley after his General Election defeat.

The Bacup-based father-of-eight has announced he is putting politics on the back burner so he can spend more time with his family.

Mr Carr, 51, who teaches youngsters with emotional and behaviour problems, has fought five parliamentary elections in Ribble Valley.

He was MP for the area for 13 months after taking the seat in the 1991 by-election following the resignation of David Waddington. Mr Carr is set to divorce this year and will be looking after seven children aged between two and 20. His oldest son recently left for university.

He said: "Whilst I am very disappointed that I did not retake the seat this time, I am overjoyed we now have the largest Liberal force in parliament for over 70 years.

"I shall spend more time with my children who have been amazingly supportive of their dad's time consuming political activities."

But while Mr Carr has pledged not to stand in Ribble Valley again he is not ruling out a return to politics in the future.

He said: "I shall continue to work to further the cause of Liberal Democracy but I have still not decided what lies ahead for me.

"I want to thank all the people, inside and outside the party, who worked so hard over the years with me to establish Liberal democracy in the constituency."

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