Former cabinet minister Ed Vaizey has announced he will not stand in the General Election, a decision he described as “one of the hardest I have ever taken”.
In a letter to
Boris Johnson, he said now is the right time to move on because he is “passionate about the arts, our creative industries and technology” and wants to specialise in those sectors.
He wrote: “Let me make one thing clear: I am and will remain an enthusiastic supporter of you as our prime minister.”
Vaizey had the Conservative whip restored after he was one of 21 rebels kicked out of the parliamentary party for backing a plan to take control of the Commons timetable to pass legislation to block a no-deal Brexit.After much reflection I have decided not to stand at the next election. I will campaign hard for my successor & look forward to @BorisJohnson and @conservatives winning a great majority. Thanks to all in Wantage & Didcot who supported me over so many years #vexitpic.twitter.com/irVsn1G2a2— Ed Vaizey (@edvaizey) November 6, 2019Vaizey thanked the PM for returning the whip to him “despite our temporary differences”, adding: “I wish you well in the crucial days and weeks ahead. I will be your friend and ally wherever I end up and whatever I may do.”
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