Maidenhead MP Theresa May to stand down at next election

Maidenhead MP Theresa May has revealed she will not be standing at the next General Election.

The former Prime Minister said she has taken the ‘difficult decision’ to step down from her position after 27 years representing the constituency.

Mrs May, who was first elected as the town’s MP in 1997, said her work on issues including modern slavery and human trafficking is taking up increasing amounts of her time and she no longer feels able to represent her constituents with the commitment they deserve.

In an exclusive statement to the Advertiser, the Conservative politician said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve everyone in the Maidenhead constituency as the Member of Parliament for the last 27 years.

“Being an MP is about service to one’s constituents and I have always done my best to ensure that I respond to the needs of local people and the local area.

“Since stepping down as Prime Minister I have enjoyed being a backbencher again and having more time to work for my constituents and champion causes close to my heart including most recently launching a Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.

“These causes have been taking an increasing amount of my time.

“Because of this, after much careful thought and consideration, I have realised that, looking ahead, I would no longer be able to do my job as an MP in the way I believe is right and my constituents deserve.

“I have therefore taken the difficult decision to stand down at the next General Election.”

The 67-year-old has held several high-profile positions during her time as an MP, including serving as Home Secretary under David Cameron’s coalition Government.

Mrs May was handed the keys to 10 Downing Street in July 2016 after Mr Cameron resigned following the UK’s decision to leave the European Union.

She was given the unenviable task of negotiating an exit deal with the trading bloc but her Brexit plans failed to appease squabbling MPs.

This resulted in Mrs May announcing her resignation on May 24, 2019, where she gave an emotional speech outside Downing Street where she described her time as Prime Minister as ‘the honour of my life’.

Since moving to the backbenches, Mrs May has continued her work in the Maidenhead constituency and has been outspoken on issues such as improvements to NHS services and the poor performance of railway services.

Mrs May added: “I will continue to work hard for all my constituents until the General Election.

“As I pass the baton on I will be working with my successor to secure a Conservative victory in Maidenhead. I remain committed to supporting Rishi Sunak and the Government and believe that the Conservatives can win the election.

“I would like to thank all those who chose me to represent them as their Member of Parliament.

“I have always said there is no greater privilege than being an MP; I have served as Home Secretary and Prime Minister but none of that would have been possible without the people of Maidenhead and the constituency which I have been proud to call my home.”

Mr Sunak said in January that he expected to call an election in the second half of 2024.