Andrea Leadsom to stand down before election

Andrea Leadsom said the Conservatives were most aligned with people's "ideals and values"

Conservative MP Andrea Leadsom has announced she will not be standing in the general election.

The junior health minister said on X, formerly known as Twitter, that she made the decision after "careful reflection".

She has been the MP for South Northamptonshire for 14 years and held several senior ministerial roles in that time.

"Some of my happiest moments in politics have been in achieving positive outcomes for my constituents," said Ms Leadsom.

Her previous government positions included being environment secretary, leader of the House of Commons and business secretary.

She is currently minister for public health, start for life and primary care.

Ms Leadsom was close to becoming prime minister in 2016, but withdrew from the leadership race that Theresa May ultimately won.

She received a damehood in October 2022 for services to politics.

'Ideals and values'

In her resignation letter, she referenced her campaigning to leave the European Union, setting up the Independent Complaints and Grievance Scheme in Parliament and - her "greatest passion" - work on early years support for children.

She did not outline reasons for standing down.

"I will continue to support the Conservative Party through this general election and in the future as the party best aligned with the ideals and values of the people of the United Kingdom," she said.

Earlier, Michael Gove also said he would step down as an MP - one of at least 119 MPs who have made this move.