Tory Wave of Departures: Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to Exit Politics at Next Election

Chris Heaton-Harris, the Northern Ireland Secretary, has decided not to seek reelection. He is part of a growing number of Conservative members stepping down from their roles in Parliament when the next general elections occur.

By Claire Gilbody Dickerson, journalism correspondent

Saturday, May 18, 2024, 11:

Chris Heaton-Harris, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, has announced he will not run in the forthcoming general election, though he plans to continue his support for the Conservative Party.

In a message shared on X on Saturday evening, Mr. Heaton-Harris informed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak that after a 24-year political career, it had been both an honor and a privilege to serve.

He expressed gratitude to the residents of Daventry, Mr. Sunak, and past Conservative leaders such as Theresa May, Boris Johnson, and Liz Truss, for placing their confidence in him.

Chris Heaton-Harris, who took on the role of Northern Ireland secretary in September 2022, stated, "My roots are in campaigning, and I'll be actively campaigning for the @Conservatives in the upcoming election, as we are the sole party capable of delivering results across the entire United Kingdom."

He becomes part of a wave of Conservative lawmakers who have declared their intention to step down from Parliament at the upcoming general election.

Further Developments on Conservatives

Kulveer Ranger: Conservative Lord Steps Down After Inappropriate, Drunken Tirade in Parliamentary Pub

Conservatives and Labour Set Tax Agendas as Public Prepares to Decide

Jeremy Hunt promises additional reductions in national insurance this fall, contingent on financial feasibility.

Stay informed on the most recent developments from the UK and globally by following Sky News for all the latest updates.

Over 100 members of Parliament from various parties have announced their decision not to seek reelection.

Among those planning to step down from parliament are figures such as Labour's Harriet Harman, the longest-serving female MP, and Dehenna Davison, a Conservative MP who was first elected in the 2019 elections.

Over 60 Conservative MPs have decided not to run again, with notable figures like former cabinet ministers Ben Wallace, Sajid Javid, Dominic Raab, and Kwasi Kwarteng among them.

Stay ahead with the latest Breaking News

Download the Sky News application at no cost

In March, 67-year-old Mrs. May announced her challenging choice to retire from Parliament after serving the Maidenhead constituency for 27 years.

The latest date that a general election can be held is Tuesday, January 28, 2025.

Associated Subjects

Footer for Sky News

Information about Sky News

Services Offered by Sky News

Channels under Sky

Additional Sky Websites