Ex-minister Sajid Javid to stand down as MP at next election

He is the most high-profile Tory MP set to leave Parliament.

In a letter to Paul Uppal, chairman of the Bromsgrove Conservative Association, the Bromsgrove MP said the decision not to stand in his fifth election was one he had “wrestled with for some time”.

He added: “I am very proud of what we have achieved for Bromsgrove District and of my work in Parliament and Government.

“This decision will not mark the end of my Parliamentary activity, particularly for the causes I care deeply about. Nor will it impact my duties as a local MP on behalf of constituents across Bromsgrove.

“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.”

PM Rishi Sunak tweeted: “Sad to see my good friend @sajidjavid stepping back from politics.

“He’s been a proud champion of enterprise and opportunity during his time in Government and on the backbenches – particularly for the people of Bromsgrove. May the Force be with you, Saj.”