"I have today informed my Association Chairman that I will not be standing at the next General Election. My decision is a personal not political one. My statement to constituents........

I shall of course continue to serve as Member of Parliament for Ruislip Northwood and Pinner until such time as a General Election is called. I would like to thank my constituents for giving me the chance to represent them for the past 14 years. 

To clarify, I am not resigning as a Minister and will continue to serve as a Member of Parliament until the next General Election."