An Oxfordshire MP has said he will be standing down ahead of the 04 July General Election as his “plans changed” after suffering a stroke.
John Howell is the incumbent Conservative MP for the Henley – soon to be renamed Henley and Thame – constituency, and he announced in April last year he would not recontest the seat at the next election in light of his coming towards his mid-70s.
Read more: General Election 2024: Changes to the electoral voting boundaries across Oxfordshire
Mr Howell, who has served the constituency since 2008, will be replaced by Caroline Newton as Conservative candidate for the safe seat.
Read more: General Election 2024: Who can I vote for in Oxfordshire?
Speaking of his decision to stand down, he said: “I think it came as rather a surprise to everyone when speculation increased that the Prime Minster might call an early summer General Election.
“There had been a general view that it would be in November. The timing is interesting, but I understand the Prime Minister’s rationale.
Read more: Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announces UK general election for Thursday 04 July
“In this constituency, there are candidates in place, and the decisions that voters make will depend on their evaluation of them and what each Party offers.
“It may come as no surprise that I hope that people will support Caroline Newton, who is an excellent candidate.
“I have been pleased to support the Conservative Party over the past 16 years despite falling out with it on occasions.
“I said that I would stand down at this General Election in April 2023.
“My plans for the future have had to change due to suffering a stroke.
“In the short-term, my focus is on continuing my recovery and then I will decide what next.”
