Former water minister Richard Benyon has joined the stampede of Conservative MPs who have announced that they will retire at the election widely expected to take place before the end of this year.
Benyon, who held the post of parliamentary under secretary of state for natural environment and water, from 2010 to 2013, revealed this morning that he will not be seeking re-election as MP for Newbury.
During three and a half years as a junior minister at Defra (Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), Benyon oversaw the first stage of the Water Bill, which introduced competition in the market for non-household accounts.
The 58-year-old’s decision to leave the House of Commons follows his support for last week’s rebellion by Tory MPs to back legislation designed to prevent a No Deal Brexit.
After stepping down as a minister, Benyon was appointed chair of UK Water Partnerships, which promotes export opportunities for the British industry.
His resignation as an MP follows that on Friday of Sir Michael Fallon, who was minister of state for energy from 2013 to 2014.
Sir Michael backed moves to promote the fracking and offshore wind industries while serving in the then Department of Energy and Climate Change.
The Sevenoaks left DECC to become secretary of state for defence.
Fallon’s successor as energy minister Claire Perry also announced on Friday that she is leaving parliament at the next election.
The government announced this morning that it will be proroguing parliament at the end of today until the Queen’s Speech, which is scheduled to take place on 14 October.