Nadhim Zahawi has announced he will stand down at the next general election in the latest blow for the Tory party.
The former Chancellor said being MP for Stratford-on-Avon for the last 14 years has been one of his “greatest honours”.
The MP becomes the 64th Conservative to announce they are standing down at the end of this parliament.
With the Tory Party expected to see huge losses in the next election, Zahawi said it is time is right for “a new, energetic Conservative” to step up.
Zahawi was set to face a tough re-election – as polls suggested he was on course to lose the seat.
In a post online, he wrote: “I have come to feel that the time is right for a new, energetic Conservative to fight for the honour of representing Stratford-on-Avon and assuming the mantle of MP for Shakespeare.
“I will, of course, serve my constituents with dedication and determination until then.”
More to follow…