Chris Heaton-Harris Standing Down at Election

“I am writing to let you know it is my intention not to stand at the next General Election.
It has been a wonderful honour for me to have served in elected public office for twenty-four years: ten of those representing the East Midlands region of the UK in the European Parliament and fourteen as the Member of Parliament for the beautiful constituency of Daventry. However, after twenty-four years, I feel the time is right for me to look for some new challenges.

I have to say I have loved my time in the House of Commons. Since the day I arrived here I have admired how individual MPs of all parties strive to make a positive difference for their constituents and I have always tried to do the best I can for mine.
As you know, every meeting with a constituent can lead to you becoming a champion in Parliament for the issues they raise. As a backbencher I’d like to think I made small contributions in a host of policy areas such as stillbirth, advocating for those with learning disabilities and a medical procedure called selective dorsal rhizotomy; all on behalf of people I represent and care passionately about.

I also campaigned hard to change our relationship with the European Union and then when it became obvious the EU did not want to reform to placate our country’s concerns, I campaigned hard to leave.
I have had the privilege of serving as a Minister in Theresa May’s government and as a Minister and then Cabinet Minister under Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and you.

Boris Johnson appointed me as Rail Minister, Europe Minister and then as his Chief Whip; a job where I learnt more about Parliament, politics, people and power (and what it does to people) than in all my previous roles combined.

Liz Truss appointed me as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and you kindly reappointed me into that role. I genuinely want to thank you for giving me the chance to continue in what I believe is the best job in Cabinet.
Working with you I helped negotiate and deliver the Windsor Framework, which both solved many of the major practical issues created by the Northern Ireland Protocol, put in place as we left the EU, and helped reset our country’s relationship with our European neighbours. Then after long and detailed negotiations within Northern Ireland we produced the Command Paper “Safeguarding the Union” which resulted in the return of Stormont and devolved government to serve the people of Northern Ireland.

I strongly believe the conditions now exist for Northern Ireland to thrive, with privileged access for manufactured goods into the EU single market, whilst being an integral part of our UK internal market and being able to benefit from the international trade deals we negotiate; it finds itself in a remarkable favourable position – and as Northern Ireland thrives, our Union will strengthen.

All of the things I have been able to achieve in politics have been made possible by others:
The small group of people who, over the years, have worked with me in my constituency and parliamentary offices. Each and every one of them has dedicated themselves to the job and their hard graft has helped hundreds, if not thousands, of my constituents.

I’ve also worked alongside some amazing civil servants. I have been truly well served by them in all the government departments I have worked in.
And my constituents, who have continually put their trust in me and have, without fail, been way ahead of the Westminster bubble in determining which issues actually really matter. I view the thousands of conversations I have had with them over the years as the best therapy anyone could have after spending a week in and around Parliament.

I am proud to have served in your government; one which has delivered across the board for the British people no matter which part of the United Kingdom they live in. Be it putting our economy back on the right track, halving inflation, increasing spending on defence, protecting the triple lock on pensions, putting more Police on the streets, investing massively in education and our health service, supporting people and businesses with their energy bills or standing up for the people of Ukraine: you have much to be proud of too.

I know we are not far from a General Election, an election in which I will do everything I can to see you returned as Prime Minister. I would be honoured if you allowed me to continue as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland until that time, as there are still a number of pieces of unfinished
business I wish to complete and I love the people, place and job, but obviously would understand if you feel it best to replace me.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve my country in your government.”