David Cameron quits as MP for Witney

May: 'I was proud to serve under David Cameron'

By-election to take place in Oxfordshire seat

'I'm at risk of becoming a diversion' says former PM

Why did he quit - and what will he do next?

James Kirkup: 'Cameron leaves no lasting legacy'

David Cameron has quit as an MP saying that he did not want his disagreements with Theresa May to become a “distraction”, amid a growing row over grammar schools.

Mr Cameron quit with immediate effect despite previously indicating that he would stay on as a backbencher until at least 2020.

He announced his resignation just minutes before Justine Greening, the Education Secretary, was due to make a statement on the creation of new grammar schools in the House of Commons.</s>Former Prime Minister David Cameron has announced he is to quit as an MP.

And the announcement came as a surprise to colleagues at Westminster - because he'd previously said he was looking forward to being a backbencher.

But Mr Cameron said he risked "becoming a diversion" to the work of his successor, Prime Minister Theresa May , if he stayed on as a backbench MP.

Critics of Mrs May's plans for new grammar schools have pointed out that Mr Cameron previously spoke out against grammars. In 2007 he said supporters of selective education "don’t understand that the idea of introducing a few extra grammars says nothing to thousands of parents worried about children languishing in failing schools".

It means there will be a by-election in his seat of Witney, in Oxfordshire.

Birmingham Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell (Con Sutton Coldfield) said: "In all the circumstances I can understand why he has reached his decision."

Mr Cameron was Prime Minister from 2010 to July this year - but announced he was leaving Number 10 after the nation voted to leave the European Union in June's EU referendum .

Watch: David Cameron announces Theresa May will become Prime Minister

Mr Cameron led the campaign for the UK to stay in the EU, and the result was a personal defeat. Theresa May replaced him as Tory leader and Prime Minister.

But despite this, he had initially indicated that he planned to stay on as a backbencher.

The former PM said at the time that he was "very keen to continue" as MP for Witney and said it was "very much my intention" to seek re-election in 2020.

But Mr Cameron has now said in a statement: "Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.

"There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.

"In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government.

"I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership."

He has been an MP since 2001, and led the Conservative Party from 2005 to July 11 2016.

His Witney seat is a safe Conservative seat and whoever is chosen as the Tory candidate will be seen as overwhelming favourite to become the new MP.

Solihull Conservative MP Julian Knight said: "After many years of service as Prime Minister he has obviously decided that he wishes to pursue other things for him and his family

"It's very understandable after such immense changes in politics.

"I hope though that this doesn't spell an end to his involvement in public life as he is still a young man and has a lot to offer."

And Birmingham MP Mr Mitchell said: "It is obviously a pity that there will be no former Prime Minister now in either the House of Commons or the House of Lords."</s>Former British prime minister David Cameron is standing down as MP for Witney, triggering a byelection in the Oxfordshire seat.

Mr Cameron told the chairman of his Conservative Association and constituency agent before making the announcement, which comes two months after he quit as prime minister on July 13th in the wake of defeat in the EU referendum.

The former PM said at the time that he was “very keen to continue” as MP for Witney, which he has represented in the House of Commons since 2001, and said it was “very much my intention” to seek re-election in 2020.

But in a statement, he said: “Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.

“There will now be a byelection and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.

“In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as prime minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the government.

“I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.”

William Hague, one of Mr Cameron’s predecessors as Conservative leader, praised the decision, backing the assessment that former PMs can become a “diversion” while sitting on the backbenches.

Mr Hague, who returned to the frontbench under Mr Cameron after four years as a backbencher following his unsuccessful leadership of the Tories, tweeted: “Right decision by David Cameron to leave Commons – former prime ministers are either accused of doing too little or being a distraction.”

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “David Cameron led us into a referendum he didn’t want and then lost. He walked away from the country in June and now he’s done the same to his constituents.

“He will be remembered as the prime minister who presided over massive cuts to vital public services and led our country out of Europe. A toxic legacy.”</s>David Cameron is standing down as MP for Witney, triggering a by-election in the Oxfordshire seat.

Mr Cameron told the chairman of his Conservative Association and constituency agent before making the announcement, which comes two months after he quit as Prime Minister on July 13 in the wake of defeat in the EU referendum.

The former PM said at the time that he was “very keen to continue” as MP for Witney, which he has represented in the House of Commons since 2001, and said it was “very much my intention” to seek re-election in 2020.

But in a statement, he said: “Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.

“There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.

“In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government.

“I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.”</s>(CNN) From world leader to the wilderness in just under three months.

David Cameron, the former British Prime Minister has announced he will stand down as a member of parliament for his constituency of Witney immediately, triggering a by-election.

Cameron, who has worked in Parliament since 2001, stepped down as Prime minister in the aftermath of the Brexit vote i n which the UK decided to leave the European Union.

He had previously said that he was "keen to continue" in his role as a backbench MP after stepping away from Downing Street but has since decided such a role is untenable.

The Camerons walk back into 10 Downing Street after David Cameron announces his resignation following the UK's decision to leave the European Union on June 23.

The Camerons walk back into 10 Downing Street after David Cameron announces his resignation following the UK's decision to leave the European Union on June 23.

Cameron attends a remembrance service for Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in her constituency in June.

Cameron attends a remembrance service for Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in her constituency in June.

Cameron tries to get the youth vote in April 2016, ahead of the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

Cameron tries to get the youth vote in April 2016, ahead of the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

Cameron puts on a pair of wellington boots after severe flooding hit large parts of northern England in December 2015.

Cameron puts on a pair of wellington boots after severe flooding hit large parts of northern England in December 2015.

The Prime Minister talks with Theresa May during the state visit of China's Xi Jinping in October 2015.

The Prime Minister talks with Theresa May during the state visit of China's Xi Jinping in October 2015.

Cameron is captured on camera eating a hot dog with a knife and fork during the 2015 general election campaign.

Cameron is captured on camera eating a hot dog with a knife and fork during the 2015 general election campaign.

Cameron bows as he greets Queen Elizabeth II during the Mexican President's state visit on March 3, 2015.

Cameron bows as he greets Queen Elizabeth II during the Mexican President's state visit on March 3, 2015.

Cameron speaks at a memorial service for Sir Winston Churchill in January 2015, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his state funeral.

Cameron speaks at a memorial service for Sir Winston Churchill in January 2015, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his state funeral.

Cameron urges Scotland not to vote to leave the UK during a pre-referendum speech in Aberdeen ahead of the 2014 vote.

Cameron urges Scotland not to vote to leave the UK during a pre-referendum speech in Aberdeen ahead of the 2014 vote.

Cameron stands beside the then London Mayor Boris Johnson as the Olympic cauldron is lit for the Paralympic Games on August 24, 2012 in London.

Cameron stands beside the then London Mayor Boris Johnson as the Olympic cauldron is lit for the Paralympic Games on August 24, 2012 in London.

Cameron and his wife Samantha wave on the steps of Downing Street on May 11, 2010 after he took office.

Cameron and his wife Samantha wave on the steps of Downing Street on May 11, 2010 after he took office.

The newly-elected Cameron leaves his parliamentary office on December 7, 2005 in London.

The newly-elected Cameron leaves his parliamentary office on December 7, 2005 in London.

Cameron was a fresh-faced candidate for leadership of the Conservative Party when he beat David Davis, Liam Fox and Kenneth Clarke to the post in October 2005.

Cameron was a fresh-faced candidate for leadership of the Conservative Party when he beat David Davis, Liam Fox and Kenneth Clarke to the post in October 2005.

David Cameron's time as British prime minister is coming to a close as he hands over the reins to Theresa May.

David Cameron's time as British prime minister is coming to a close as he hands over the reins to Theresa May.

"In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government," he said in a statement Monday.

"I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.

"I now look forward to a life outside of Westminster, but hope to continue to play a part in public service and to make a real and useful contribution to the country I love."

Cameron, 49, became Conservative leader in 2005 and Prime minister in 2010.

He revealed that he spoke with his successor before making the decision public.

"I spoke to Theresa May and she was very understanding about this decision," Cameron told ITV.

"I support her. I support what she's doing. She's got off to a cracking start. Obviously I'm going to have my own views about different issues; people would know that. And that's really the point.

"As a former prime minister it is very difficult, I think, to sit as a backbencher and not be an enormous diversion and distraction from what the government is doing.

"I don't want to be that distraction. I want Witney to have an MP that can play a full role in parliamentary and political life in a way that I think I would find very difficult, if not impossible."

Under Cameron's leadership, the Conservatives won the 2010 general election, ending Labour's 13 years in government, although the party was forced into entering a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.

During his time as Prime minister, he introduced same-sex marriage in 2013 and held off the threat of Scottish independence after a referendum in 2014.

In the end, Cameron's undoing was his belief that he could end the constant infighting within the Conservative Party over the UK's position in Europe.

His decision to call a referendum proved an unnecessary and costly gamble.

Mrs May, who is now tasked with dealing with the fallout from Brexit, said she was "proud" to have served alongside her predecessor.

"Not just stabilizing the economy, but also making great strides in delivering serious social reform.

"His commitment to lead a one nation Government is one that I will continue -- and I thank him for everything he has done for the Conservative party and the country.

"I wish him and his family well for the future."</s>(CNN) From world leader to the wilderness in just under three months.

David Cameron, the former British Prime Minister, has announced he will stand down as a member of Parliament for his constituency of Witney immediately, triggering a by-election.

Cameron, who has served in Parliament since 2001, stepped down as Prime Minister in the aftermath of June's Brexit vote i n which the UK decided to leave the European Union.

He had previously said that he was "keen to continue" in his role as a backbench MP after stepping away from Downing Street but has since decided such a role is untenable.

The Camerons walk back into 10 Downing Street after David Cameron announces his resignation following the UK's decision to leave the European Union on June 23.

The Camerons walk back into 10 Downing Street after David Cameron announces his resignation following the UK's decision to leave the European Union on June 23.

Cameron attends a remembrance service for Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in her constituency in June.

Cameron attends a remembrance service for Labour MP Jo Cox, who was murdered in her constituency in June.

Cameron tries to get the youth vote in April 2016, ahead of the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

Cameron tries to get the youth vote in April 2016, ahead of the referendum on the UK's membership of the European Union.

Cameron puts on a pair of wellington boots after severe flooding hit large parts of northern England in December 2015.

Cameron puts on a pair of wellington boots after severe flooding hit large parts of northern England in December 2015.

The Prime Minister talks with Theresa May during the state visit of China's Xi Jinping in October 2015.

The Prime Minister talks with Theresa May during the state visit of China's Xi Jinping in October 2015.

Cameron is captured on camera eating a hot dog with a knife and fork during the 2015 general election campaign.

Cameron is captured on camera eating a hot dog with a knife and fork during the 2015 general election campaign.

Cameron bows as he greets Queen Elizabeth II during the Mexican President's state visit on March 3, 2015.

Cameron bows as he greets Queen Elizabeth II during the Mexican President's state visit on March 3, 2015.

Cameron speaks at a memorial service for Sir Winston Churchill in January 2015, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his state funeral.

Cameron speaks at a memorial service for Sir Winston Churchill in January 2015, commemorating the 50th Anniversary of his state funeral.

Cameron urges Scotland not to vote to leave the UK during a pre-referendum speech in Aberdeen ahead of the 2014 vote.

Cameron urges Scotland not to vote to leave the UK during a pre-referendum speech in Aberdeen ahead of the 2014 vote.

Cameron stands beside the then London Mayor Boris Johnson as the Olympic cauldron is lit for the Paralympic Games on August 24, 2012 in London.

Cameron stands beside the then London Mayor Boris Johnson as the Olympic cauldron is lit for the Paralympic Games on August 24, 2012 in London.

Cameron and his wife Samantha wave on the steps of Downing Street on May 11, 2010 after he took office.

Cameron and his wife Samantha wave on the steps of Downing Street on May 11, 2010 after he took office.

The newly-elected Cameron leaves his parliamentary office on December 7, 2005 in London.

The newly-elected Cameron leaves his parliamentary office on December 7, 2005 in London.

Cameron was a fresh-faced candidate for leadership of the Conservative Party when he beat David Davis, Liam Fox and Kenneth Clarke to the post in October 2005.

Cameron was a fresh-faced candidate for leadership of the Conservative Party when he beat David Davis, Liam Fox and Kenneth Clarke to the post in October 2005.

David Cameron's time as British prime minister is coming to a close as he hands over the reins to Theresa May.

David Cameron's time as British prime minister is coming to a close as he hands over the reins to Theresa May.

"In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government," he said in a statement Monday.

"I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.

"I now look forward to a life outside of Westminster, but hope to continue to play a part in public service and to make a real and useful contribution to the country I love."

Cameron, 49, became Conservative leader in 2005 and Prime Minister in 2010.

He said he had conferred with his successor before making his decision public.

"I spoke to Theresa May and she was very understanding about this decision," Cameron told ITV.

"I support her. I support what she's doing. She's got off to a cracking start. Obviously I'm going to have my own views about different issues; people would know that. And that's really the point.

"As a former prime minister it is very difficult, I think, to sit as a backbencher and not be an enormous diversion and distraction from what the government is doing.

"I don't want to be that distraction. I want Witney to have an MP that can play a full role in parliamentary and political life in a way that I think I would find very difficult, if not impossible."

Under Cameron's leadership, the Conservatives won the 2010 general election, ending Labour's 13 years in government, although the party was forced into entering a coalition government with the Liberal Democrats.

In the end, Cameron's undoing was his belief that he could end the constant infighting within the Conservative Party over the UK's position in Europe.

His decision to call a referendum proved an unnecessary and costly gamble.

"I'm sure I will be remembered for keeping that pledge to hold a referendum when many people thought that promise would never be kept," he told ITV.

"But I hope that people will look back at the 11 years I was leader of the Conservative Party and six years as Prime Minister of our country as a time when we did create a stronger economy -- 1,000 people found work for every day I was prime minister -- and we did make some important social reforms ... and the Conservative Party went from being in the doldrums and getting beaten to being a modernizing, winning force in British politics.

"But the historians will have to work all that out. I obviously now am going to be looking at a new life, but I'm only 49 -- I hope I can still contribute in terms of public service and contribute to our country."

May, who is now tasked with dealing with the fallout from Brexit, expressed pride in having served alongside her predecessor.

"Not just stabilizing the economy, but also making great strides in delivering serious social reform.

"His commitment to lead a one nation Government is one that I will continue -- and I thank him for everything he has done for the Conservative Party and the country. I wish him and his family well for the future."

Cameron is now focusing on that future, and while he did not elaborate on his plans, he insisted he would not shy away from campaigning on the issues he is passionate about.

"The only firm decision I've made is to leave the House of Commons and stop being an MP -- as I say, with a heavy heart, because I've loved the jobs but I don't think it works for a former prime minister who resigned in my circumstances and with all the new government needs to do," he added.

"Issues for the future. I'll decide them in the future and, hopefully, as I say, continue to make some ... public service contribution to this country. I want to continue campaigning on the local, national and indeed international issues that were part of my prime ministership where I think we made some good progress. There's still a lot more to be done."</s>David Cameron is standing down as MP for Witney, triggering a by-election in the Oxfordshire seat.

Mr Cameron told the chairman of his Conservative Association and constituency agent before making the announcement, which comes two months after he quit as Prime Minister on July 13 in the wake of defeat in the EU referendum.

The former PM said at the time that he was “very keen to continue” as MP for Witney, which he has represented in the House of Commons since 2001, and said it was “very much my intention” to seek re-election in 2020.

But in a statement, he said: “Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.

“There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.

“In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government.

“I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.”

Mr Cameron said he would not be moving away from the constituency, where he has made his home with wife Samantha and their children.

He said it had been “an honour” to serve the people of the area for the past 15 years.

“Our house in Dean is the place Samantha, my children and I call home, and that will not change,” said Mr Cameron.

“I will continue to support the local causes and charities that mean so much to me and many others in this beautiful and enterprising part of our country.

“I now look forward to a life outside of Westminster, but hope to continue to play a part in public service and to make a real and useful contribution to the country I love.”</s>David Cameron is to stand down as MP for Witney, triggering a by-election in the Oxfordshire seat, he has announced.

Mr Cameron said he would not be moving away from the constituency, where he has made his home with wife Samantha and their children.

He said it had been “an honour” to serve the people of the area for the past 15 years.

“Our house in Dean is the place Samantha, my children and I call home, and that will not change,” said Mr Cameron.

“I will continue to support the local causes and charities that mean so much to me and many others in this beautiful and enterprising part of our country.

“I now look forward to a life outside of Westminster, but hope to continue to play a part in public service and to make a real and useful contribution to the country I love.”

The Scotsman’s EU Referendum page: Keep up to date with latest news, polls and features.</s>David Cameron has announced he is standing down as MP for Witney, triggering a byelection. It marks the end of the former prime minister’s parliamentary career, Cameron having previously said he intended to carry on as a local MP to 2020 and beyond.

“As a former prime minister it is very difficult, I think, to sit as a backbencher and not be an enormous diversion and distraction from what the government is doing.”

We’d like your verdicts on Cameron’s time in politics as Conservative leader and prime minister. What will he be most remembered for, and what is his chief political legacy?

You can share your views by filling out the form below. We’ll feature a selection of your responses in an article on the Guardian website.</s>Stewart Jackson has paid tribute to former Prime Minister David Cameron, who has stepped down as an MP with immediate effect.

Mr Cameron resigned from his role as Prime Minister following the EU referendum in June.

Today (Monday) he said he was also resigning from his role as MP for Witney in Oxfordshire.

Peterborough MP and fellow Conservative Stewart Jackson - who did not always see eye-to-eye with Mr Cameron - said he was ‘surprised’ by the announcement.

He said: “I’m very surprised by the announcement but perhaps he wants to spend more time with his family and doing other things and who can blame him after 10 very busy years as Prime Minister?

“We were never close but I think he will be remembered more kindly by history as being the man whose commitment to an EU referendum allowed the UK to regain its role as a proud, outward looking Parliamentary democracy and global power again and that’s quite a legacy.”

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara added: “David Cameron managed to get the Conservatives back into power after 13 years and he led Britain at a time when we faced huge economic uncertainty. Under his leadership we managed to pull back from the brink. I wish him the very best for the future.”

The former PM had previously said he was “very keen to continue” as MP for Witney, which he has represented in the House of Commons since 2001, and said it was “very much my intention” to seek re-election in 2020.

But in a statement, he said: “Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.

“There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.

“In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government.

“I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.”

Mr Cameron said he would not be moving away from the constituency, where he has made his home with wife Samantha and their children.

He said it had been “an honour” to serve the people of the area for the past 15 years.

“ Our house in Dean is the place Samantha, my children and I call home, and that will not change,” said Mr Cameron.

“I will continue to support the local causes and charities that mean so much to me and many others in this beautiful and enterprising part of our country.

“I now look forward to a life outside of Westminster, but hope to continue to play a part in public service and to make a real and useful contribution to the country I love.”

Mr Cameron said it “isn’t really possible” to be a proper backbench MP as a former prime minister because his actions would become a “big distraction”.

The former PM said he had quit with a “heavy heart” but he needed to “build a life” outside Westminster.

He said Mrs May had “got off to a cracking start” and she had been “very understanding” about his decision.

“Obviously I’m going to have my own views about different issues. People would know that and that’s really the point.

“As a former prime minister it is very difficult, I think, to sit as a backbencher and not be an enormous diversion and distraction from what the Government is doing.”

Asked if Mrs May’s plans to introduce a new wave of grammar schools was linked to his decision, he replied: “This decision has got nothing to do with any one individual issue. The timing in that way, I promise, is coincidental.”

Mr Cameron said there were “many good things” in the policy but refused to endorse the proposals.

“My announcement today is not about grammar schools, there’s no connection with grammar schools, it’s purely one of timing.”

Unison general secretary Dave Prentis said: “David Cameron led us into a referendum he didn’t want and then lost. He walked away from the country in June and now he’s done the same to his constituents.

“He will be remembered as the prime minister who presided over massive cuts to vital public services and led our country out of Europe. A toxic legacy.”
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron resigns as MP for Witney, triggering a by-election.