THE continuing uncertainty for Equitable Life policy holders was highlighted at Sunday's Bucks Free Press Money Show, with exhibitors reporting concern from many visitors.

Mike Baughan, senior partner at independent financial advisers Chessman & Partners of Red Lion Street, Chesham, said: "People are quite worried about Equitable. We have had a lot of inquiries at our offices.

"I believe it is wrong to say generally that people should come out of Equitable. It depends on individual circumstances and it is only the with-profits side of Equitable that is a problem," he said.

Equitable, which has its head office in Aylesbury, received a further blow over the weekend when Australian insurer AMP pulled out of talks to buy the mutual life assurer. Aegon UK, which was also interested in buying Equitable's assets, had also withdrawn its interest.

Aylesbury MP David Lidington, whose constituency includes Princes Risborough, met with Chris Headon, chief executive of Equitable Life on January 12.

Mr Lidington said following that meeting that he came away cautiously encouraged.

"We need to separate what went wrong in the past and more important is what happens now," he said.

"It is in everybody's interest, policy holders and staff, that a successful merger or takeover happens.

"A deal would release a large sum of money to help meet Equitable's liabilities to GAR (Guaranteed Annuity Rate) policy holders."

Equitable Life confirmed on Monday that it was still talking to other interested parties.