South West Devon MP Sir Gary Streeter has announced he will be retiring at the next General Election, whenever it takes place, and will therefore not be seeking re-election.
In a letter to his constituency party chairman, Sir Gary said he was giving early notice so there was sufficient time to select a replacement, who he hoped would be someone local to give the best chance of the Conservatives retaining the seat.
Looking back at his time in national politics Sir Gary said he enjoyed his time holding ministerial office under John Major and being in the Shadow Cabinet during William Hague’s leadership.
He added that he especially enjoyed chairing the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and chairing the all-party group Christians in Parliament including the nurturing of younger MPs from all parties.
At a local level Sir Gary reflected with pride on helping Devonport Dockyard secure its Trident contract in 1993 and in more recent times seeing progress with train connectivity in the Westcountry.
Sir Gary ended with an assurance that he would still continue to service his constituents to the best of his ability between now and the next General Election.
(Story courtesy of the Plympton Podcast)
