Sir Graham Brady, chairman of the influential 1922 committee of backbench Tory MPs, is to stand down at the next general election.

The 55-year-old, who has represented Altrincham and Sale West for the past 26 years, said his time in parliament has been an “immense privilege for which I will always be grateful”.

In a statement he added: “I have decided to bring this fascinating and fulfilling chapter of my life to a close while I am young enough to pursue other opportunities and interests, so I will not be standing at the next election.”

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Sr Graham said he will continue to serve as the 1922 committee’s chair until the end of this parliament if his colleagues want him to.

“I will continue to do everything I can to support the Conservative cause and Rishi Sunak. He is bringing both stability and vision as prime minister,” he said.

“In 2024, I will campaign locally and nationally for the return of a Conservative government, that is in the national interest and in the interests of my constituents.

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“I will continue to work hard in the service of the residents of Altrincham and Sale West, offering my judgment and experience until the end of the parliament.”

Sir Graham was first elected as an MP in 1997 and has been the chairman of the 1922 Committee since 2010, bar a brief period in 2019.

But it’s only in the last few years he has become something of a household name – with his visits to No 10 seen as spelling the end for recent prime ministers.

As chairman of the group of backbench MPs, he is tasked with gauging how unhappy his colleagues are and counting the all-important letters of no-confidence – a number he keeps a closely-guarded secret until it meets the threshold for a vote.

Sir Graham has overseen the election of three party leaders and prime ministers – Theresa May, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak – as well as no-confidence votes in Mrs May and Boris Johnson.

He is the latest senior Conservative to announce they will not be contesting their seat at the next election, amid predictions of an electoral wipeout for the party.

Former cabinet ministers Sajid Javid, George Eustice and Nadine Dorries are among the 22 Tory MPs who have announced their exit plans, with the latter blaming the “infighting and stupidity” that led to Mr Johnson’s demise.

Former health secretary Matt Hancock is also stepping aside, but he is currently sitting as an independent after being suspended by the Tory parliamentary party after going on I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here!

Twelve Labour MPs have said they will be vacating their seats.

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