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? 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. 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. “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. “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. “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”.
Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom David Cameron resigns as MP for Witney, triggering a by-election.