Cop26 leader Alok Sharma becomes latest MP considering stepping down at next election

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Former cabinet member and Cop26 president Sir Alok Sharma has announced he will stand down at the next general election.

Sir Alok , who led the United Nations climate change conference in Glasgow two years ago, criticized Rishi Sunak's drop in net zero emissions last week.

Commenting on the watering down of green policies by Prime Minister Sir Alok said he was concerned about the "fracturing of the UK's political consensus on climate action" and that "cutting and changing policies" was creating uncertainty for businesses and the public. /p>

He is the latest of a number of Tory heavyweights, including Dominic Raab, Sajid Javid and Ben. Wallace, who has decided to step down at the next general election.

In a statement on X, formerly Twitter, published Tuesday evening, he said: "I informed my local conservative association this evening that I have decided not to stand at the next general election and are therefore not seeking adoption as Conservative candidates for the revised seat of Reading West & Mid Berkshire. This has not been an easy decision for me. York City

(Getty Images for Global Citizen)

“It has been the honor of my life to be an MP for a constituency in the city where I grew up and a privilege to serve in government and represent the UK on the international stage.

“My thanks to all the voters, local organisations, charities and businesses I have had the pleasure of working with, since being selected as a candidate Parliament in 2006. , as we campaigned together on a range of issues to make our region a better place to live and work.

“I will continue to support my Conservative colleagues and serve my voters diligently for the rest of the year. my time as an MP, as well as championing in Parliament the causes that are close to my heart, particularly climate action. »

Sir Alok was knighted for his contributions as a global leader in efforts to combat climate change in the 2023 New Year Honors.

The Conserv.. .