Mapped: All MPs who will stand down in the next election

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Robert Halfon has become the latest Conservative MP to announce he will not stand in the next general election.

The Minister for Skills, learning and higher education resigned unexpectedly. at the same time as James Heappey followed through on his plans to step down as Minister of the Armed Forces.

Mr. Halfon, a veteran Harlow MP, has held a series of senior roles since first being elected to Parliament in 2010.

He said in a letter to Rishi Sunak: 'After more than two decades as Parliamentary Candidate for Harlow and Member of Parliament, I believe it is time for me to stand down at the next general election and, in doing so, resign as a Minister in your Government."

Robert Halfon and James Heappey have both resigned from government

((PA))

Mr Heappey, who represents Wells , was reportedly under “resignation watch” from his ministerial role after privately telling colleagues he was unhappy with the level of defense spending.

The former soldier launched a resignation call last week over defense spending. 2.5% GDP target must be 'achieved urgently'.

Mr Heappey, who is said to have defended a majority of 9,991 voice, joins a growing number of Conservative MPs deciding to leave politics, including several high-ranking ones. profiles of former cabinet secretaries and other ministers.

As of March 26, 63 Conservative MPs have publicly declared that they are withdrawing from Parliament or not contesting their current seat in the general election .

< p>Former Prime Minister Theresa May