NEWARK MP Patrick Mercer has unexpectedly resigned from the Conservative Party and will not stand at the next election.
The former shadow security spokesman said he was trying to "save my party embarrassment" over a BBC Panorama programme alleging he broke lobbying rules.
The programme is due to be broadcast next week.
In a statement, Mr Mercer said: "Panorama are planning to broadcast a programme alleging that I have broken Parliamentary rules.
"I am taking legal advice about these allegations – and I have referred myself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards.
"In the meantime, to save my party embarrassment, I have resigned the Conservative Whip and have so informed Sir George Young (Chief Whip). I have also decided not to stand at the next general election."
Resigning the whip means that Mr Mercer, 56, remains an MP but is no longer a member of the Conservative parliamentary party.
A party spokesman said: "The Prime Minister is aware. He thinks Patrick Mercer has done the right thing in referring himself to the Parliamentary Commissioner for Standards and resigning the whip.
"It's important that the due processes take their course."
Mr Mercer's decision yesterday lunchtime shocked councillors and colleagues.
Sherwood MP Mark Spencer said: "At the moment, we aren't sure if there is any truth to these accusations but clearly Patrick feels it's appropriate for him to step down from the party and at the next election.
"I feel Newark needs to keep a hardworking MP and someone who can represent the people there. If Patrick feels he can do that, that's fine. If he wants to sun himself in Barbados that will be different."
Tory councillor Peter Duncan, who represents Beacon ward on Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: "I always thought of him as a very solid citizen. He will be missed."
Tory Collingham and Meering councillor Derek Evans, said: "I'm very surprised at the news. I have utter faith in him as an MP."
Mr Mercer won the seat for the Tories in 2001, defeating Labour's Fiona Jones.
Since then, he has defended his seat in the 2005 and 2009 elections.
At the last election, Mr Mercer got 53.9 per cent of the vote, with Labour getting 22.3 per cent, the Liberal Democrats 20 per cent and UKIP only 3.8 per cent.
The former Army officer was shadow homeland security minister until 2007, when he resigned after suggesting that racism was "part and parcel" of life in the forces.
Relations between Mr Mercer and David Cameron have been tense ever since. In 2011 Mr Mercer was reportedly taped describing the Prime Minister as "despicable".
Newark Conservative Association Stuart Wallace chairman said: "He has always been a dedicated, hard working and popular local MP, and we will be saddened if these allegations are proven."
