TEN years in Europe is long enough! So says David Sumberg, who will stand down as a Euro MP at the next elections.

Mr Sumberg was Tory MP for Bury South between 1983 and 1997, before losing to Labour's Ivan Lewis.

He was elected as an MEP for North West England in 1999, holding his seat five years later, but says he will not seek re-election in 2009.

"Ten years in the European Parliament is long enough," said Mr Sumberg. "This is particularly so for me, as someone who is not a signed-up member of the European project. It is no secret that, unlike most of my MEP colleagues, I do not support a more centralised and federal European Union."

Mr Sumberg added: "If I leave the European Parliament in 2009, I will be only 68 and will therefore have the opportunity to seek pastures new in the political and non-political worlds. I shall also look forward to seeing more of my family after nearly 25 years of political life."

Whitefield councillor Michelle Wiseman, the Tories' Parliamentary candidate for Bury South, said: "He has retained strong links with many people and organisations in Bury and I know many people will be sorry to hear of his decision.

"I wish him all the best for the future."