WORCESTER MP Robin Walker says David Cameron's announcement on his future "may surprise some people" - but has shrugged off fears of an unwelcome election distraction.

The PM has confirmed he would not want to stand for a third term in power if the Conservatives are still in Government in five years time, prompting intense debate about a successor.

The announcement, made during a BBC interview at his Cotswold home, comes just before MPs are sent home to their constituencies ahead of the General Election.

Some reports suggest many Tory MPs are privately baffled by the timing, with some concerned it could impact on the doorstep.

Mr Walker said: "It creates a big stir in the press but I do think it's what people around him would have known anyway - he does not want to go on forever.

"He'll have seen the lessons from Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair where prime ministers want to go on and on, and they are eventually seen as a little out of touch.

"The timing will surprise some people but he's only reiterating what he's told people privately before, so in that respect I don't see this as a great surprise."

Mr Cameron event went as far as naming possible successors, mentioning Chancellor George Osborne, Home Secretary Theresa May and Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London.

He said he was prepared to stand "for a full second term" before stepping aside if his party were still in Government.

The Tory leader said: "I've said I'll stand for a full second term, but I think after that it will be time for new leadership, terms are like Shredded Wheat – two are wonderful, three might just be too many.”

The Labour Party has accused him of "arrogance", with MP Douglas Alexander saying: "In the UK it is for the British people and not the Prime Minister to decide who stays in power."

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin today said May's election was about "who is Prime Minister" alongside which party has the best long-term plan.

She said: "Clearly David Cameron is the better choice for the UK and for Worcestershire and I'm delighted he has made it clear that if elected, he would continue to serve as our Prime Minister for a full term."