22 May 2023 , 21:30
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Dominic Raab will not run as a Tory MP in the next general election.
It comes after he resigned as Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary last month after an investigation upheld some bullying allegations against him.
His shock Cabinet exit triggered mounting claims he would opt not to fight his Esher and Walton seat at the next ballot, expected in autumn 2024.
His majority has plunged from 28,616 in 2015 to just 2,743 at the last poll in December 2019 - and the Lib Dems have made the Surrey constituency one of their top targets.
Mr Raab, 49, was elected MP in 2010 and has held a series of posts, including Foreign Secretary.
Rishi Sunak must suspend Dominic Raab during bullying inquiry says union chief
Mr Raab joins a growing list of Tory MPs not standing in the next election (UK PARLIAMENT/AFP via Getty Imag)He was heavily criticised for remaining on holiday when the Taliban surged across Afghanistan in August 2021 - and eventually demoted by then Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
But in a letter to Esher and Walton Conservative Association chairman Peter Szanto, Mr Raab confirmed his decision not to contest the seat again.
“I have become increasingly concerned over the last few years about the pressure the job has placed on my young family,” said the father of two young sons in the letter, seen by the Daily Telegraph.
“I will continue to carry out all my responsibilities to my constituents, and provide every support in campaigning, so that we win here next year - which I am confident we can do under this Prime Minister’s leadership.”
Mr Szanto wrote back: “It is with deep regret that I have received your letter regarding your intention to stand down as our MP at the next general election.
“While I know that you have the full support of the Association to continue as our candidate, on a personal level I know the sacrifices you and your family have made.
“Your commitment to the residents of Esher and Walton has always been outstanding.
“You have my sincere thanks for everything that you have achieved, and also my continuing friendship. My best wishes to you and your family.”
Mr Raab joins a growing list of Tory MPs who are standing down in the next election taking place in 2024. Former PMs Boris Johnson and Liz Truss have both let it be known that they intend to stand again - despite both being forced out of Downing Street by their own MPs.
Sajid Javid, Nadine Dorries, and Matt Hancock - and a handful of high-profile, young MPs to announce they’re throwing in the towel in 2024 and going back to a ‘normal’ life.
Out of touch Rishi Sunak doesn't regularly read papers or online news sites