resigns

Tory MP Patrick Mercer resigns party whip

The Conservative MP for Newark in Nottinghamshire, Patrick Mercer, has resigned the party whip and announced he will stand down at the next general election, due in 2015.

In a statement, Mr Mercer cited a BBC Panorama investigation into the alleged breaking of parliamentary lobbying regulations as the reason for his decision.

"Panorama are planning to broadcast a programme...