Nicky Morgan joins MPs not standing in general election
30 October 2019, 20:05
Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan has announced that for the first time in 18 years she will not be a candidate in the next general election.
Nicky Morgan said the impact on her family was the driver behind her deciding not to seek re-election in December.
In a letter to her constituents she said she could not continue to make sacrifices required of being an MP without parliament doing "what it is supposed to do".
She said: "The clear impact on my family, and the other sacrifices involved in and the abuse for, doing the job of a modern MP, can only be justified if ultimately parliament does what it is supposed to do - represent those we serve in all areas of policy, respect votes cast by the electorate, and make decisions in the overall national interest."
In a tweet, Nicky Morgan said she has loved her roles as Culture Secretary as as MP Loughborough, and that she will continue to support the Conservative Party, the Government, the PM and her successor in future.
Mrs Morgan was elected in 2010 and became minister for women in 2014. Later the same year she was appointed secretary of state for education.
For the first time in 18 years I won't be a candidate in the next General Election. I've loved being #Loughborough's voice in Westminster since 2010 & being DCMS Secretary - & I look forward to supporting the PM, Government, Conservative Party and my successor in the future pic.twitter.com/xhH11bxd3C
— Nicky Morgan MP (@NickyMorgan01) October 30, 2019
Nicky Morgan is the latest in a long list of Conservative MPs who are not seeking re-election this time around, including people like Sir Michael Fallon and Jo Johnson.
She is also yet another MP who has cited abuse as a reason for stepping down. Heidi Allen, a former Conservative MP who defected to the Liberal Democrats, also said the impact abuse had on her life was "dehumanising".
Earlier today Amber Rudd and David Lidington announced their resignation from the Commons.
Amber Rudd said she is "confident" in the decision and told The Evening Standard: "I’m not finished with politics, I’m just not standing at this election."
And Mr Lidington, widely viewed as the de facto prime minister for Theresa May, made is announcement in his local newspaper, citing a a "heavy cost on his family and private life" as the reason for his decision.
