EXCLUSIVE: Hove MP Mike Weatherley to stand down in 2015

Hove MP Mike Weatherley has announced he will stand down from the role at the next general election.

The Conservative MP is set to make the announcement today (Thursday July 3) in a letter to the constituents and supporters.

In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Weatherley, who was elected to the seat in 2010, said the decision not to re-stand had been “the toughest decision of my life”.

However he said beating oesophagus cancer two years ago had led him to “review what I want for the future”.

The news – less than a year before the general election – is sure to spark claims from opponents that the Conservatives are giving up on the marginal seat, which bookies currently have Labour odds-on to win.

The announcement also has national implications as the constituency is seen as bellweather seat indicating the overall outcome of the general election.

But, with the search for a successor underway, local Tories maintain having a strong local MP alongside a committed candidate will put the party in a position to retain the seat in May 2015.

In a letter to David Cameron, Mr Weatherley said: “It goes without saying that my years representing the wonderful people of Hove and Portslade have been one of the most fulfilling periods of my life which I will look back on with very fond memories.

“I have made so many friends over the years including so many of my loyal supporters both in and out of Brighton and Hove Conservatives. I cannot thank them enough.

“Ultimately, beating cancer two years ago has led me to review what I want for the future. It has been the toughest decision of my life but I do feel that now is the time to move on.”

In the letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Weatherley said he was proud of his efforts to make it illegal for people to squat in residential properties.

He also referenced his work in intellectual property, campaigning for animal rights, and promoting renewable energy.

Mr Weatherley, who is a big fan of metal music and famously gave his maiden parliamentary speech with an Iron Maiden t-shirt under his shirt, received national praise for his work on setting up Rock The House – a national competition that gives youngsters the chance to play on the terrace in the Houses of Parliament.

Linda Freedman, chairman of Brighton and Hove Conservatives said: “We are all incredibly sad that Mike won’t be re-standing.

“He has been a seriously effective representative for Hove and Portslade over the past four years. Nothing stands still in politics though so our discussions as to what happens next are already far advanced. We’ll be making an announcement on this point shortly.”

THE LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER IN FULL

Dear David,

It is after profound consideration that I write to inform you that I will not be standing for re-election at the General Election in 2015.

I have nothing but huge admiration for the work of the Government over the past four years, including what has been done to get our economy back on track.

In Hove and Portslade, this has translated to a drop in unemployment of a staggering 37.5%. I am strongly in favour too of our efforts to reform our membership of the EU but even more so of our pledge of a referendum in 2017 as I have mentioned to you directly on a number of occasions.

In terms of my own work, I have proudly served on the Administration and Justice Select Committees.

I have campaigned relentlessly, with much success, to bring common sense to our laws on residential squatting. I have fought hard on a number of animal rights issues and firmly believe that the hunting ban should remain in place. I have also highlighted the dangers of nuclear power and, indeed, the benefits of solar and other renewables.

Over the past year, I have taken immense pride in serving as your Intellectual Property Adviser. I am sure that you will agree that we have made huge steps towards really getting politicians and industry talking – which is key to making the most of our country’s wealth of creative talent. It would be a privilege to continue offering my assistance in this regard.

It goes without saying that my years representing the wonderful people of Hove and Portslade have been one of the most fulfilling periods of my life which I will look back on with very fond memories.

I have made so many friends over the years including so many of my loyal supporters both in and out of Brighton and Hove Conservatives. I cannot thank them enough.

Ultimately, beating cancer two years ago has led me to review what I want for the future. It has been the toughest decision of my life but I do feel that now is the time to move on.