Boris Johnson’s old constituency will be vacant at the next election - opening up an opportunity for him to launch a “chicken run” for the safe seat.
John Howell, who replaced him as the MP for Henley when he became Mayor of London in 2008, has announced he’ll be retiring.
The ex-PM has faced speculation he could attempt to switch to the safer seat after his majority in Uxbridge and South Ruislip dipped from 10,695 in 2015 to just 7,210 at the 2019 election.
And it just so happens the Henley seat, where Mr Howell won comfortably with a majority of 14,053 in 2019, is close to a “magnificent” nine-bedroom Cotswolds mansion Mr Johnson and wife Carrie are understood to have bought
Mr Johnson tonight insisted he plans to remain as the Conservative candidate in his Uxbridge and South Ruislip constituency.
But could still decide to switch seats at a later date, including if a Commons investigation finds he misled MPs over Partygate and he is ousted in a by-election.
Labour's candidate in Uxbridge and South Ruislip, Danny Beales, tweeted the eyes emoji in response to the news.
Mr Howell, the current MP for Henley, wrote to the South Oxfordshire Conservative Association this week to inform them that he will not seek re-adoption to stand as the candidate for the constituency.
He said: “By the time of the end of the next parliament I will be coming up towards my mid-70’s. I do not want to be in parliament until that time as I would like to pursue other avenues. I am a strong supporter of Rishi Sunak and I hope that the South Oxfordshire Conservative Association will continue to get behind him.
“I have enjoyed my time as the MP for this constituency and I thank the people here for their support.”
The ex-Prime Minister, 58, who is trousering millions of pounds from giving speeches around the world, and Mrs Johnson, 35, are understood to have looked at a Georgian, Grade II-listed, detached manor house in Oxfordshire earlier this year.
The 400-year-old property is set in nearly five acres and its online listing says it is “sold STC [subject to contract]”. The advert invited offers “in excess of £4million”.
Their interest in a property so close to his former constituency fuelled suggestions he could fight for his old seat and try to re-establish a power base.
The Uxbridge and South Ruislip Conservative Association said last month: “Tonight the Uxbridge & South Ruislip selection committee adopted Boris Johnson as our parliamentary candidate.
“We look forward to continuing to work alongside him to deliver for the residents and communities within the constituency, where he has strong connections and involvement.
“His commitment to deliver a new Hillingdon hospital for Uxbridge & South Ruislip residents remains at the forefront of his work as our local MP.”
A spokesman for the former PM said: “Boris Johnson is standing in Uxbridge and South Ruislip at the next general election and was recently reselected as the Conservative candidate there.”
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