A TORY MP who announced he is to stand down at the next general election has warned his party not to "self-destruct" over Europe.

Sir Geoffrey Johnson Smith, 75, MP for Wealden for the past 33 years, announced his retirement to constituency members this week.

But at a meeting of the constituency executive this week, he pleaded for more tolerance within the party.

He said: "With regard to divisions over the European Union, everyone is divided over Europe, including the Labour Party.

"What is needed is more tolerance. There is no need for our party to self destruct over this issue."

Conservative leader William Hague has come under fire from high profile party members urging him not to alienate the electorate by moving the party too far to the right.

But Sir Geoffrey, described as a Europhile, praised Mr Hague's leadership, saying he had presented the issues of major concern to the public in "a very clear and understandable manner."

Peter Sabine, Wealden Constituency Conservative Association agent backed Sir Geoffrey's plea.

He said: "He has always believed there is more to gain through cooperation rather than conflict."

Former Second World War artillery captain Sir Geoffrey worked as a BBC broadcaster and an information officer for the British Consulate-General in San Francisco before becoming an MP.

Wealden Conservative Association hopes to name its candidate to fight the next general election before March.

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