Former health secretary Sajid Javid has announced he will be stepping down as a Member of parliament.
He said his decision was "accelerated" by the fact MPs have been asked to clarify their intentions for contending the next nationwide poll at such an "early stage". He added that he had "wrestled" with the big decision for "some time" and was proud of the work he did in Parliament and government.
In a tweet, he wrote: "After much reflection I have decided that I will not be standing again at the next General Election. Serving as the Member of Parliament for Bromsgrove remains an incredible privilege, and I will continue to support the government and the causes I believe in."
In a letter to the Bromsgrove Conservative association, he wrote: "Being the local MP and serving in government has been the privilege of my life and I am immensely grateful for the opportunity to serve. I always sought to make decisions in the national interest, and in line with my values, and I can only hope my best was sufficient.
“I will of course continue to support my friend the Prime Minister and the people of Bromsgrove in any way I can.”
Read next:
- 'Dangerous sexual predators' locked up for horrific rape on woman after she was refused entry to nightclub for being drunk
- Man 'acquiring' lead plunged to his death through roof of derelict mill, inquest hears
- Emergency three-hour blackouts are a real possibility in Greater Manchester this winter - this is how they would impact millions of people
- The fairy tale hall an hour’s drive from Manchester you need to visit this Christmas
