What does David Cameron’s resignation mean for Witney? By-election triggered as former PM stands down
Speculation ex-Prime Minister has stood down to help his friend George Osborne continue his political career
AFTER having David Cameron as their MP for 15 years his resignation today means voters in the Witney constituency will have to go to the polls to choose a new one.
The date of the by-election has yet to be announced but it is a very safe Tory seat so it would be a massive shock if the Conservative candidate does not win it.
In last year’s general election Cameron secured more than 60% of the vote and a similar landslide victory is forecast for whoever takes his place.
Election analyst Mike Smithson, from politicalbetting.com, tweeted earlier today suggesting the contest will not be that close:
Before the by-election takes place the political parties have to select the candidates they want to fight for the seat in Oxfordshire.
There is speculation Cameron is standing aside in the hope his long term friend and ally George Osborne can take over as the Witney MP.
Leaked reports suggest the former Chancellor will lose his constituency seat of Tatton under the boundary review so becoming the Witney MP would be a sure fire way of continuing his political career.
But there is also the suggestion he quit because he did not want to vote for the new Government's return of grammar schools.
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Speaking today Cameron said: “Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the Member of Parliament for Witney.
“There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.”
He added: “In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as prime minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the backbenches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the Government.
“I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership.
“It has been an honour to serve the people of Witney and West Oxfordshire for the last 15 years. I want to thank them for making the job of representing them such a pleasure and a privilege.”
This is a change of heart from June 27 when, after announcing his resignation as Prime Minister, he said he would not leave the House of Commons until the next general election.