At the beginning of the year I let my friends and family know privately that I do not wish to stand for Parliament at the next General Election. I let the Conservative Party know then too.

As I explained last year, I have been receiving professional medical support and I need to continue the process to improve my mental and physical health.

I have been in Tamworth nearly twenty years and I have tremendous affection for the town and its people. It is a great place. It has been a wonderful privilege to help constituents with their problems, meet many great local organisations and make some lifelong friends. For all that I am grateful.

I am also truly indebted to all the members of staff who have worked with me over the years in my office and who have helped in our local team. They are the most dedicated and decent people and I could not have done the job without them. The team will continue to help local people as always, that work carries on