Conservative MP Steve Russell resigns in general election

Steve Russell, who has represented Winchester and Chandler's Ford since 2010, said it was time for him to think about a «new chapter» . No. 39; in his life. Photo: Stephan Russo/Pennsylvania.

The Conservative MP who violated lobbying rules in a WhatsApp messaging exposed in The Telegraph Lockdown Files investigation has said he will step down in the next election.

Steve Russell. , who has represented Winchester and Chandler's Ford since 2010, said it was time for him to think about a «new chapter» in his life.

Mr Russol, chairman of the House of Commons Select Committee on Health and social assistance, said in a letter to his local Tory association that he had always intended «to work 20 years or four general elections.»

«It wasn't a hard and fast rule and I don't think anyone could have predicted the events of the last 13 years, but now seems to be the right time for both me and the family,» he said. /p>

“Moving forward, I feel like I can address some of the issues that I care about – in health and perhaps in other areas – both outside and inside Parliament.”

In March, a leaked WhatsApp message published as part of The Lockdown Files revealed that Mr Russell was contacting ministers and officials on behalf of Remedium, who paid him £1,600 a month.

Steve Russell 1 (from Michael's chat Gove)

Following an investigation, the oversight body concluded that Mr. Russell failed twice to make it clear that he was a paid advisor to Remedium Partners when contacting ministers on behalf of a health care employment firm.

However, critics said Mr Russell «got off lightly» as he had no further action other than to «fix» his breach with an apology and a promise not to do so again.

Ford Winchester and Chandler to be one of key target seats for the Liberal Democrats in the next general election, which many expect next year.

In the 2019 general election, Mr. Rassol had a majority of 985, up from 9,999 two years earlier.

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A Liberal Democrat source said he was the latest in a string of ultra-marginal Conservative MPs who announced they would step down before the next vote.

Source said, “People in their home districts tell us that they are fed up with being taken for granted… The Conservative Party is falling apart in the home districts. Written on blue wall.»

Mr Russell is the 42nd Conservative MP to confirm he will not run for re-election.

Other notable Tories who are leaving include Cabinet Minister Chloe Smith, Dominic Raab, former Attorney General, and Sir Graham Brady, Chairman of the 1922 Conservative MPs Committee.