David Cameron, the former prime minister, has surprised the political world by announcing his abrupt resignation as an MP so he can “start to build a life outside Westminster”.
Advertisement
Mr Cameron, who has represented Witney since 2001, explained that while he did not intend to be a distraction for new PM Theresa May, his decision to call time on his political career was motivated nearly entirely by his desire to attend more West Ham matches.
The former Prime Minister said he had “thought long and hard” over the summer and decided it was impossible to serve as a mere backbencher as he would be “a distraction”. Cameron promised to support the Conservative Party candidate chosen to replace him in the by-election that will be held in order to fill the vacancy.
Mr Cameron today quit as MP in his constituency, announcing he is to go and work in the City.
Former foreign secretary William Hague added it was the “right decision”, writing: “Former Prime Ministers are either accused of doing too little or being a distraction”.
“I’m only 49. I hope I can still contribute in terms of public service and to the country”. Obviously I’m going to have my own views about different issues; people would know that.
In the House of Commons, Cameron represents Witney, in Oxfordshire.
Mr Cameron’s decision comes two months after he quit as Prime Minister on July 13 in the wake of defeat in the European Union referendum.
The resignation marks a sharp turnaround for Cameron, who in July had said he planned to remain a member of Parliament until 2020.
He said there might be “many good things” in the proposed education reforms, Cameron said.
In his remarks, Cameron stated that he fully supports Theresa May as the new PM and wishes her good luck in carrying out the voters’ mandate to extricate Britain from the 28-nation European Union bloc.
“Not just stabilising the economy, but also making great strides in delivering serious social reform”. He walked away from the country in June and now he’s done the same to his constituents.
Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Mr Cameron had “demonstrated a capacity to think above and beyond tribal politics” and wished him well for the future.
Len McCluskey, Unite general secretary, said: “While he may have chose to walk away the problems his austerity has created for the people of this country remain”.
Advertisement
Cameron’s announcement came as it was revealed Jeremy Corbyn’s London constituency is set to be wiped off the electoral map.
