South Cambridgeshire MP Andrew Lansley to stand down at 2015 elections after losing role as Leader of the House of Commons
Andrew Lansley - Credit: Archant
South Cambridgeshire MP Andrew Lansley will stand down next year after losing his government role in Prime Minister David Cameron’s cabinet reshuffle.
Mr Lansley announced on Tuesday evening that he would not be seeking re-election in 2015, and would be leaving the government to take up a role in international public service.
The news came hours after it was announced Mr Lansley had been removed from the post of leader of the House of Commons, with outgoing foreign minister William Hague taking his place.
In a letter to Mr Cameron, he said: “You supported my ambition to continue my life of public service in challenging and important roles.
“I am grateful to you now for expressing your support for me to take such a role in international public service in the months ahead.”
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Mr Lansley has served as South Cambs MP since 1997, and was Health Secretary from 2010-2012, overseeing the controversial NHS reforms bill.
In response to the letter, the Prime Minister said: “You have much more to give in terms of public service, and I look forward to being able to support you in doing so in the months and years ahead.”
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Royston MP Oliver Heald was removed from his post as solicitor-general and deputy to attorney-general Dominic Grieve in the reshuffle.
Mr Heald, a former barrister, took up the post in September 2012 following another reshuffle and previously held the role of under secretary at the Department of Social Security in John Major’s government.
He said: “I was very fortunate to have held two posts in government as a minister and obviously that is a privilege.
“I have always been focused on helping my constituents in East and North Herts and there is still a lot of work to do for them which I intend to keep on doing.”
