Former Defra Secretary George Eustice has announced he is to step down as an MP at the next election.
Mr Eustice has been the MP for Camborne and Redruth, in Cornwall, for 15 years and served as Defra Secretary under Boris Johnson from February 2020 until September 2022. Prior to that, he served for many years as Farming Minister, building up strong links with the farming sector.
In a statement, he said it was a ‘difficult decision’ to step down, but explained that he wanted to pursue another career outside politics.
Mr Eustice, who comes from a family farming business that includes Lop Eared pigs, said: “By the time of the next election, I will have been in politics for 25 years, including almost 15 years as a member of parliament.
“I will also be 53 and I want the opportunity to do a final career outside politics so have decided not to seek re-election. This has been a difficult decision for me.
“I feel a deep bond to the area where my family have lived for over 400 years and it has been an honour to represent my home towns, but it is important that the Conservatives are able to select a new candidate in good time.
“There are still almost two years left of the current parliament and I will be doing my utmost throughout that time to help my constituents and deliver for Cornwall.”