A Conservative MP who agreed to pay back more than �90,000 of parliamentary expenses he wrongly claimed has announced he will not stand at the next General Election.

Michael Trend, the MP for Windsor, collected an annual allowance of �20,000 that was meant to fund London accommodation for MPs from faraway constituencies, despite driving home "most evenings".

The Windsor Conservative Association has very much enjoyed working with you at times of great difficulty for our party David Hilton Conservative Association

Last month, Mr Trend told the Commons authorities his mistake was caused by a "misunderstanding, honestly and genuinely held" about what expenses he could claim.

Speculation was rife that local Conservative Association chiefs would demand Mr Trend's resignation after he agreed to return the �90,277 overpayment.

But on Tuesday, David Hilton, the Association chairman, said he was sure Mr Trend would continue to serve well as an MP until the election, due in 2005 or 2006.

Psychologist

The MP's decision to step down is likely to be seen as a rallying call to Tory candidates hopeful of a safe seat.

Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith has pressed local constituency parties to select female and ethnic minority candidates for winnable seats where sitting MPs are standing down.

Tory chairman Theresa May disclosed on Tuesday that her party has brought in a psychologist to sort out its problems recruiting women candidates.

May: Pushing for more female Tory candidates

Mr Trend, a journalist, was elected to the House of Commons in 1992 as MP for Windsor and Maidenhead, before its boundaries changed to Windsor in 1997.

The son of a former cabinet secretary, he served as a parliamentary private secretary to Tim Yeo and Brian Mawhinney, before becoming a vice-chairman of the Conservative Party, which led him to have a key role in the 1997 election.

Big majority

He was an early supporter of William Hague's bid for the Conservative leadership and became a spokesman on foreign affairs and latterly on social security.

He returned to the backbenches in 2000, since when he has concentrated on his constituency and on articulating a conservative Anglican view on ecclesiastical matters.

He currently sits on the Commons public administration select committee.

Mr Trend was returned in the 2001 election with a majority of 21.1% over the Liberal Democrats - the Conservatives' 39th strongest result.

In a letter, the 50-year-old MP told his local Conservative Association on Tuesday that he wanted to "pursue other interests at the conclusion of this Parliament" and was giving early notice of his decision in order that a successor could be chosen.

'Difficult times'

"Windsor is a wonderful constituency and I am grateful for all the support the Association has given me over the years," he said.

"I am pleased to have served the party nationally as well, as a parliamentary private secretary and front bench spokesman as well as being the party's deputy chairman for three years and now chairman of the International Office."

Association chairman David Hilton replied: "The Windsor Conservative Association has very much enjoyed working with you at times of great difficulty for our party.

"Your support for our political work and Association activities has been greatly valued.

"The Association understands that the past weeks have been difficult for you and acknowledge that you have acted with dignity in announcing your decision now.

"We shall do all we can to support you, and send you our warmest wishes."

Reports of Mr Trend's expenses claims had prompted calls from former Independent MP Martin Bell and others for new checks on MPs' expenses.