David Cameron Says He Is Stepping Down From Parliament

And now this afternoon, just as the government prepared for its first hard domestic debate in the House of Commons on grammar schools, Mr Cameron announced that he is quitting politics and will stand down as an MP.

The former prime minister said he took the decision “with a heavy heart” and added that he did not want to become a “distraction and a diversion” to the new government.

He had earlier said he would complete his term in office until the next election due in 2020.

His tenure as Prime Minister, however, came to an abrupt end when he failed to convince the British public to vote to remain within the EU.

The decision was made with a “heavy heart”, Mr Cameron said.

At the time of his resignation as prime minister, he insisted he was “keen to continue” as a constituency MP and meant to seek re-election at the next general election, due in 2020.

“Having fully considered my own position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the MP for Witney”. People know that. That’s really the point. “The timing in that way, I promise, is coincidental”. He said there might be “many good things” in the proposed education reforms, Cameron said.

A by-election will be held in the constituency to elect a replacement for Cameron, who stands down after holding the seat since 2001.

This evening Theresa May said in a statement: “I was proud to serve in David Cameron’s Government – and under his leadership we achieved great things”. I think she’s got off to a great start.

‘I guess he’s stopped caring about what people think about him.

He pressed ahead with his pledge to hold a referendum on the UK’s European Union membership – campaigning hard for a Remain vote and warning of the economic and security consequences of Brexit.

When Cameron announced he would resign as prime minister in June, he said he would remain in parliament as an MP.

Witney has been a Conservative Party stronghold since 1974. I will now be looking at a new life.

Cameron said he wanted to continue making a “public service” contribution and would speak out about worldwide issues in the future – a hint he may seek a new role on the world stage.

Mr Cameron told his successor Theresa May about his decision this afternoon, according to ITV News’ Chris Ship.

Mr Corbyn thanked the former PM for the “courtesy” he showed him.