Former transport secretary Chris Grayling has become the latest MP to announce he is standing down at the next general election – a decision made after receiving a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The ex-minister is among more than 40 Conservatives who have announced they will not defend their seat in a vote expected next year.
He said he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer earlier this year, but the diagnosis had led him to decide it was “time for a change”.
Mr Grayling has been MP for Epsom and Ewell since 2001 and served in both the Cameron and May administrations, most recently as transport secretary from 2016 to 2019.
In a statement posted on social media, Mr Grayling said: “I am writing to let you know that I told the Conservative Association AGM on Wednesday that I would not be standing again for Parliament at the next election.
“Earlier this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and although the treatment has been successful, it has prompted me to think that after 22 years it is time for a change. The Association will now move ahead and select my successor as Conservative candidate.
“I am very grateful to you for the support I have been given by you all over the years. I will obviously carry on working as normal until the election and will hope to see you at one of the upcoming events.”
