Controversial MP Aidan Burley denies he was sacked

The Tory MP announced his decision to step down as MP at the next general election last week following widespread criticism over his participation in a Nazi-themed stag party.

But Mr Burley has reacted to claims made in a Sunday newspaper and insisted he was not summoned to Downing Street to meet David Cameron's aides to discuss his future.

Mr Burley took to Twitter to deny the rumours printed by the Mail on Sunday.

He said: "Total rubbish in MoS. PM never 'sacked me' - I didn't even go to no 10 last week or meet 'officials'. Standing down is my decision."

He added: "This story is categorically untrue and No.10 has already issued an 'emphatic' denial.

"I came under no pressure to stand down from the PM or anyone else - in fact he asked me to stay on as an MP."

He warned that he would launch legal action against anyone claiming that he was told to stand down.

Mr Burley was revealed to have bought an SS uniform for groom Mark Fournier for the party in France in 2011.

Wearing a Nazi uniform is illegal in France and Mr Fournier was last month fined £1,200 by a French court and made to pay £800 in compensation to a group that helps families of Holocaust victims.

Mr Burley, aged 35, was branded 'stupid and offensive' by an internal Conservative party inquiry which was carried out after the stag party but suppressed until the conclusion of the French prosecution.

But he was fully backed by the Cannock Chase Conservative Association after members met to discuss the matter.

A spokesman at Conservative Party headquarters said: "It was Mr Burley's decision to step down and he decided on the timing."

Tory party chairman Grant Shapps wished Mr Burley well while political opponents welcomed his decision and said he had brought on problems himself.

Mr Burley said it has been a 'difficult time'.

In a statement he said he would continue to work for the people of Cannock Chase and that he was looking forward to supporting his successor to make sure Labour have no chance of re-taking the seat.

It comes as it emerged cricket legend Darren Gough or Karren Brady could be in the running for the seat.

Mr Burley was elected as Cannock Chase MP in 2010 and he said he had been overwhelmed by the messages of support he had received since announcing he was standing down.