Theresa May Announces Decision to Depart from Parliament in Next Election
The former prime minister, who served as an MP for 27 years, has decided to step down from representing Maidenhead due to her increased involvement in NGO work.
Theresa May announced on Friday that she will not be seeking re-election at the next general election after her long tenure in Parliament. She expressed that this “difficult decision” was made to prioritize her NGO commitments, especially as the chair of the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.
Reflecting on her time as an MP, Mrs. May stated, “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.”
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Citing the increasing demands of her NGO commitments, Mrs. May expressed that she can no longer give the necessary attention to her constituents and therefore made the tough decision to step down at the upcoming General Election. She affirmed that she will continue her dedicated service until the election is held, likely later this year.
In response to rumors of Conservative MPs losing confidence in the prime minister’s abilities, Mrs. May clarified, “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.”
Grateful for the opportunity to serve as an MP, Mrs. May extended her thanks to the constituents for their support. She emphasized the significance of being an MP and how it has been a privilege for her.
Known for her advocacy against modern slavery and human trafficking, Mrs. May, 67, launched the Global Commission backed by the UK and Bahrain governments.
Turbulent Time as PM
With a history of service that began in 1997 as MP for Maidenhead and included a term as home secretary under David Cameron, Mrs. May’s time as prime minister was tumultuous, particularly due to Brexit discussions. After a challenging tenure, she eventually resigned following opposition to her Brexit deal and a confidence vote within her party.
Reflecting on the current landscape within the Conservative Party, various MPs, including Mrs. May, have announced their decision not to seek re-election, prompting discussions about confidence in the party’s leadership. Labour Party chair Anneliese Dodds expressed surprise at the developments, citing it as a sign of distrust in both the prime minister and the Conservative Party.
While reactions to Mrs. May’s decision varied, with some expressing sadness and others understanding the personal reasons that led to her choice, it remains clear that her departure marks a significant change within the political landscape.
PA Media contributed to this report.
