OXFORDSHIRE MP Ed Vaizey has made the 'hardest decision' to not stand in the upcoming general election. 

The Wantage MP is taking a step back from politics to 'focus his energies' on the arts and technology industries instead. 

Mr Vaizey tweeted a picture of his resignation letter to the Prime Minster - announcing that he would not be a candidate for December's vote. 

Using the hashtag #vexit - a play on Britian's exit from the european union, Mr Vaizey said: "After much reflection I have decided not to stand at the next elextion. I will campaign hard for my successor and look forward to Boris Johnson and Conservatives winning a great majority.

"Thanks to all in Wantage and Didcot who supported me over so many years #vexit." 

Mr Vaizey is the longest serving Conservative MP in Oxfordshire, and has stood for the party since 2005.

In September this year he had the party whip removed, leaving him no option to sit as an independant MP.

He was one of 21 former Conservatives who were stripped of their party affiliation after voting in favour of an act that would prevent a no-deal Brexit. 

The MP gave a nod to the PM for restoring his whip last month, thanking him in his resignation letter despite their 'temporary differences'. 

His decision to switch from politics to 'the arts' hasn't come out of the blue. 

He is the son of art historian Marina Vaizey and in 2010 to 2016 he served as Minister for Culture, Communicatoins and Creative Industries.

The art lover has also previously served as the Shadow Minister for Culture under David Cameron from 2006 to 2010. 

Ed Vaziey's letter to the PM in full: 

Oxford Mail:

He is one of around 50 MPs across the country to stand down ahead of the election. 

It is not yet known who will replace him.