Wokingham MP Sir John Redwood to stand down

Sir John Redwood has been MP for Wokingham for close to four decades

Veteran Conservative MP Sir John Redwood has said he will stand down at the upcoming general election.

He has represented Wokingham in Parliament since 1987 and was twice an unsuccessful candidate for the leadership of the Conservative Party in the 1990s.

The 72-year-old said: "I have decided not to put my name forward in the forthcoming election. I have other things I wish to do."

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced there would be a general election on 4 July.

'A privilege to represent Wokingham'

Writing in an online blog, Sir Redwood said: "It has been a privilege to represent Wokingham in nine Parliaments.

"I have drawn many of my campaigns from the views I have heard on doorsteps and read in my email box.

"We have achieved good things together for our local community and the wider nation."

He also referenced the work he had done to support the Conservative council at the local elections.

The long serving politician added that he would continue to contribute to the debates about public policy.

Sir John was Secretary of State for Wales in John Major's government.