NORTH West Hampshire MP Sir George Young has announced that he will be retiring in May 2015.

The Government’s Chief Whip broke the news on his official website, and he will bring an end to his 41-year political career when the current Parliament ends.

Sir George said: “I have decided to retire from the House of Commons at the end of this Parliament.

“I have had a good innings and it is time to let others have the chance that I had back in 1974.

“I will have done 41 years as an MP by May 2015, and I have done 17 of them as a minister.

“I admire those who are older than I am and who want to continue, but I propose to declare at 41 not out.”

Among his various Government roles, Sir George has served as financial secretary to the Treasury from 1994-95 and Secretary of State for Transport from 1995-97.

He said: “I have also been lucky enough to have had a wide variety of jobs in Government, serving Margaret Thatcher, John Major and now David Cameron.

“My appointment as Chief Whip last year was the fourth time I have joined the Government.

“I enjoy my work as Chief Whip and I will continue to work hard for the party in Parliament and here as your local MP right up to the wire.”