James Heappey is set to quit as armed forces minister (Image: PA)
James Heappey is set to quit as armed forces minister and stand down as an MP.
The former soldier will leave his role at the Ministry of Defence at the end of the month.
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The Tory MP for Wells has also told his constituents that he will not fight the next general election.
In a letter to his local association, Mr Heappey described it as a "painful decision".
He said: "I am enormously grateful to the new Wells & Mendip Hills Conservative Association for having selected me as their candidate at the special general meeting last year but, as you know, a great deal has changed in my life over the last few years and I have concluded that now is the time to step away from politics, prioritise my family and pursue a different career."
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Some news from me: A painful decision but the next election is the time for me to step away from politics, prioritise my family and pursue a new career.
I’ll forever be grateful for the incredible opportunity to serve this amazing constituency in Westminster. pic.twitter.com/ZIreMHEAP9
— James Heappey MP (@JSHeappey) March 15, 2024
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The Times quoted an anonymous Conservative MP who said Mr Heappey had been on "resignation watch" after expressing frustration to colleagues about the level of defence spending.
But source close to Mr Heappey insisted his resignation was not in protest over the issue.
The Ministry of Defence said it would not be commenting.
Mr Heappey had been tipped to succeed Ben Wallace as defence secretary following his resignation last year.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak instead gave the Cabinet post to Grant Shapps, who has not had military experience.
Mr Heappey joins around 60 other Tory MPs who have confirmed they will not contest the next election, which must take place by next January.
The veteran won his seat in Somerset with a 9,991 majority in 2019.
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He is facing boundary changes but the constituency is still thought to be winnable by the Tories, who are trailing Labour by around 20 points in national polls.
It comes after former prime minister Theresa May last week announced she will step down as the MP for Maidenhead at the next election.
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