David Hinchliffe, chairman of the health select committee, is to stand down at the next general election.

The Labour MP for Wakefield has been one of the main opponents to plans for foundation hospitals, and in making his announcement launched a scathing attack on the policy.

"When the prime minister talks about modernisation, some of the ideas we're bringing forward are from the dustbin of Margaret Thatcher," he said. "We are losing direction?it worries me that we are departing from those principles, I believe at our peril."

But speaking in September, he insisted that he had decided to retire to spend time with his family and to work on other projects, and not to embarrass the government. "I've been a very strong supporter of the government," he said. "I'm proud of what my government has delivered for Wakefield."

Hinchliffe has represented Wakefield since 1987, and has a majority of just under 8,000. He has been chairman of the health select committee since 1997.