Oxfordshire MP John Howell is set to retire ahead of the next general election.

He has written to the South Oxfordshire Conservative Association to let them know that he will be retiring and is not seeking re-election as Henley’s MP.

Mr Howell, who succeeded Boris Johnson as MP for the Henley constituency in 2008, will remain in his position until parliament is dissolved.

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He said: "By the time of the end of the next parliament I will be coming up towards my mid-70’s.

"I do not want to be in parliament until that time as I would like to pursue other avenues.

"I am a strong supporter of Rishi Sunak and I hope that the South Oxfordshire Conservative Association will continue to get behind him."

Mr Howell was first elected in 2008 and has contested four General Elections since then, retaining over 50 per cent of the vote share at each one.

During his time as an MP, he has held a number of positions, most recently and currently as the Leader of the UK Parliamentary Delegation to the Council of Europe. 

He added: "I have enjoyed my time as the MP for this constituency and I thank the people here for their support.

"I also enjoy my time leading the UK Delegation to the Council of Europe.

"Most recently I am proud to have been able to visit the Turkish prisoner, Osman Kavala, on behalf of the European Court of Human Rights.

"We are a multinational nation and I am pleased to have demonstrated this."