Former transport secretary Chris Grayling has announced he will stand down at the next general election, joining more than 40 Conservatives who have said they will not defend their seats.

The MP said he had been successfully treated for prostate cancer earlier this year and the diagnosis had led him to decide it was “time for change”.

His local Conservative constituency association will now select a successor to stand as the Conservative candidate.

Mr Grayling served in both David Cameron and Theresa May’s administrations, most recently as transport secretary from 2016 to 2019.

He has been the MP for Epsom and Ewell since 2001.

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Mr Grayling said: “I am writing to let you know that I told the Conservative Association AGM on Wednesday that I would not be standing again for parliament at the next election.

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“Earlier this year I was diagnosed with prostate cancer, and although the treatment has been successful, it has prompted me to think that after 22 years it is time for a change.

“The association will now move ahead and select my successor as Conservative candidate.

“I am very grateful to you for the support I have been given by you all over the years.

“I will obviously carry on working as normal until the election and will hope to see you at one of the upcoming events.”

Mr Grayling presided over a series of mishaps during his time as transport secretary, leading to him being nicknamed “Failing Grayling”.

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