Former prime minister and home secretary Theresa May has announced her decision to step down as an MP at the upcoming general election. May expressed her enjoyment of being a backbencher and focusing on causes close to her heart, such as the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking. She emphasized her commitment to supporting her successor and securing a Conservative victory in Maidenhead.
Joining May in stepping down is a list of prominent politicians, including the SNP's deputy Westminster leader and MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire, who cited the toxic environment of Westminster as a reason for her departure. Ian Blackford, the SNP MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber, also announced his decision not to stand for re-election, focusing instead on the campaign for Scottish independence.
Other notable figures exiting the political arena include Dominic Raab, who expressed concerns about the impact of his role on his family, and Douglas Ross, who will not contest the Moray seat in the next election. Additionally, several Labour MPs, such as Harriet Harman and Ben Bradshaw, have announced their intentions to step down.
The Conservative Party is also seeing departures, with high-profile MPs like Sir Graham Brady and Matt Hancock choosing not to stand for re-election. Hancock highlighted his achievements during his time in government and expressed a desire to engage with the public in new ways outside of Parliament.
These departures signal a significant shift in the political landscape, with new faces expected to emerge in the next parliament. As the upcoming general election approaches, the stage is set for a wave of change in Westminster.
