Aidan Burley: MP Resigns Over Nazi Stag Party

Aidan Burley has announced he will step down as MP for Cannock Chase over his decision to organise a Nazi-themed stag party.

The Conservative politician 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 (£1,250) by a French court for wearing an SS uniform and insignia supplied by the MP. Mr Burley was his best man.

He 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."

Describing his election win in 2010 as a "wonderful surprise", he added: "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 £35m to electrify the Chase Line."

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

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

Mr Burley was also criticised after claiming the opening ceremony of the London Olympic Games in 2012 was "too left-wing".

On his Twitter account, he wrote: "The most leftie opening ceremony I have ever seen - more than Beijing, the capital of a communist state! Welfare tribute next?"

He added: "Thank God the athletes have arrived! Now we can move on from leftie multicultural crap. Bring back red arrows (sic), Shakespeare and the Stones!"

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