A Conservative MP in Hertfordshire is set to quit at the next election.

But it's not Hitchin MP Bim Afolami, despite the unacceptable personal abuse our town's Parliamentarian receives.

While healthy political debate is always encouraged - and in these troubled times absolutely vital to a fully functioning democracy - the line is often crossed on social media, prompting many MPs to be fearful.

With the tragic death of brutal murder of colleague Sir David Amess late last year, many MPs up and down the land are concerned about safety.

Trained and accredited security operatives have been available for Mr Afolami's public Hitchin surgery in the past, with Mr Afolami previously talking to Nub News about the abuse has received in the past.

In the light of the current climate, Broxbourne MP Sir Charles Walker has announced won't seek re-election, after more than 15 years in Westminster.

The long-serving MP confirmed his intention to quit at the next general election after reportedly becoming "fed up" with the abuse politicians receive on a daily basis.

The chairman of Broxbourne Conservative Association said the news came as a shock, and added it was a "massive disappointment" to lose Mr Walker.

During his time in Westminster, the MP has served as chair of the Procedure Committee and was knighted in 2019 for "political and public service".

On his return to the backbenches, he became a vocal opponent to lockdown restrictions, including an infamous speech where he promised to walk around London with a pint of milk as a protest against an extension to emergency powers being extended in March 2021.

The MP has also been praised for his openness when discussing living with obsessive-compulsive disorder following a debate in the Commons in 2012.

According to Channel 4 News presenter Cathy Newman, Mr Walker has chosen to step aside because he is "fed up with the abuse MPs get on a daily basis" and wanted to avoid being part of the "soap opera" surrounding Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

Despite the announcement, Mr Walker will continue to work as an MP until the next general election, currently scheduled for May 2024.

Mr Walker did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but he was praised by Councillor Paul Mason (Broxbourne and Hoddesdon South), chairman of Broxbourne Conservative Association for his service to the area.

He described the MP as a great campaigner for Broxbourne, and said he will be respected across political lines for his willingness to stand up for his principles.

Mr Mason said: "Sir Charles's announcement today has come as a huge shock to me and a massive disappointment as he is and continues to be an excellent Constituency MP and great campaigner for Broxbourne

"He will continue to be our Conservative MP up and until the next General Election.

"I am sure his loyalty and commitment to the Conservative Party and Broxbourne will remain as passionate as when he was first elected as our MP. This is the nature of the man.

"You may not always agree with him but you cannot help but respect him for his ability to speak up and speak out on matters rather than compromise his principles.

"Assuming the next General Election will be in 2024, he still has much to do for us and the country, this is no time to discuss obituaries."

Mr Walker, from Henley-on-Thames in Oxfordshire, has stood in four general election campaigns in Broxbourne, and held his seat in 2019 with a majority of almost 20,000 votes.