WYCOMBE MP Steve Baker is staying out of the community stadium debate, telling the Free Press his role is not to “escalate matters”.

A number of senior Tory councillors have spoken out this week to oppose the plans for a new 17,500 capacity ground for Wasps and Wycombe Wanderers at Wycombe Air Park.

But Mr Baker said he strongly backs the Government's drive for decentralised power, encapsulated in this week's Localism Bill in Parliament, and it would go against this to step in.

He said: “The reality is that the stadium proposal is entirely within the authority of Wycombe District Council: I have no authority over the matter.

“Furthermore, this week, the Localism Bill passed through its Commons second reading.

"That Bill is intended to empower radically Councils and local people, not MPs.

“As I said during the election, I am a keen supporter of the decentralisation of power. People must have more control over their own lives.

“That is why I will be staying out of the debate over the stadium: for localism to work, it is vital that decisions are taken at the local level.

“Much as I live here too, we can’t have MPs – whose responsibility is to represent local people on national and international issues - stepping into council matters: we need local power and accountability.”

He said: “As MP, I am acutely aware that people who would potentially be affected by the stadium have strong views and these must be heard."

Mr Baker's Wycombe constituency includes Marlow Bottom - where two of the dissenting councillors this week come from.

But he said:“My role is to ensure that the Coalition Government’s plans are carried through to deliver more local power, control and transparency.

"It isn’t to escalate matters which can and should be settled locally.”

He added that decentralisation of power is a “key part of the Government’s agenda” and issues like the stadium must be settled by residents and councillors.

Meanwhile, Mr Baker has been named as one of the four Tory MP 'newcomers of the year' by the Conservative Home blogging website.

He was picked out of the 147 new Conservatives in the House of Commons by blogger Harry Phibbs who highlighted “his deep philosophical belief in the freedom of the individual combined with his grasp of detail in such important areas as banking and financial regulation.”