Veteran Tory MP Michael Gove has announced he will not stand in the upcoming General Election, citing the “toll” of public office and expressing a desire to allow “a new generation” to lead. Gove’s decision comes amid a wave of Conservative MPs stepping down, with a post-war record of 78 quitting ahead of the summer election.

Bim Afolami, MP for Hitchin and Harpenden, argued on Times Radio that this exodus of veteran MPs is “not unnatural,” as many long-serving members choose to retire. Alongside Gove, prominent figures such as Dame Andrea Leadsom, former Prime Minister Theresa May, and former Chancellor Nadhim Zahawi have also decided not to run.

The Conservative Party faces significant challenges, lagging behind Labour in polls. The unexpected call for a summer election by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has added to the party’s internal unrest. The election is set for July 4, and political parties are racing to select candidates to contest seats nationwide.