Former prime minister Theresa May has said she will be standing down as an MP at the next election.
In a statement, she said she had taken the “difficult decision” to vacate her Maidenhead seat after 27 years.
Read the ex-PM’s statement in full below:
It has been an honour and a privilege to serve everyone in the Maidenhead constituency as the Member of Parliament for the last 27 years. Being an MP is about service to one’s constituents and I have always done my best to ensure that I respond to the needs of local people and the local area.
Since stepping down as Prime Minister I have enjoyed being a backbencher again and having more time to work for my constituents and champion causes close to my heart, including most recently launching a Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. These causes have been taking an increasing amount of my time. Because of this, after much careful thought and consideration, I have realised that, looking ahead, I would no longer be able to do my job as an MP in the way I believe is right and my constituents deserve. I have therefore taken the difficult decision to stand down at the next General Election.
I will continue to work hard for all my constituents until the General Election. As I pass the baton on I will be working with my successor to secure a Conservative victory in Maidenhead. I remain committed to supporting Rishi Sunak and the Government and believe that the Conservatives can win the election.
I would like to thank all those who chose me to represent them as their Member of Parliament. I have always said there is no greater privilege than being an MP; I have served as Home Secretary and Prime Minister but none of that would have been possible without the people of Maidenhead and the constituency which I have been proud to call my home.
— Theresa May (@theresa_may) March 8, 2024
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