Rishi Sunak thanks Dominic Raab for being a ‘dedicated and loyal public servant’ after the former deputy Prime Minister says he will stand down at the next election

• Mr Sunak said he was a ‘loyal public servant’ and wished him the best for future
• Mr Raab will stand down from his seat of Esher and Walton, Surrey, next election

Rishi Sunak yesterday thanked Dominic Raab for being ‘a dedicated and loyal public servant’ after the former deputy prime minister announced he would stand down at the general election. 

After 13 years in Parliament, father-of-two Mr Raab said he would not seek re-election because he had become ‘increasingly concerned over the last few years about the pressure the job has placed on my young family’. 

The Prime Minister’s official spokesman said that Mr Sunak ‘thanks him for being a dedicated and loyal public servant, for his services to this government and to his constituents, and wishes him the best for the future’. 

More than 30 Tory MPs have now announced that they will stand down at the next general election – including several senior figures such as former chancellor Sajid Javid and ex-environment secretary George Eustice.

Mr Raab has represented the marginal seat of Esher and Walton in Surrey since 2010. It is a key target for the Liberal Democrats at the next general election.

Rishi Sunak (pictured) yesterday thanked Dominic Raab for being ‘a dedicated and loyal public servant’

After 13 years in Parliament, father-of-two Mr Raab (pictured) said he would not seek re-election

Yesterday the Lib Dems called on Mr Raab to quit immediately and trigger a by-election. 

In May’s local elections the party became the largest party on Elmbridge Borough Council, the area covered by the constituency. 

Lib Dem leader Sir Ed Davey told LBC: ‘He knew he was going to lose. We have been working really well there. We’ll be working every day to earn the trust of people in Esher and Walton.’ 

Mr Raab has served as Brexit secretary, foreign secretary and justice secretary, as well as deputy prime minister, during his time in Parliament. 

He quit Mr Sunak’s Cabinet last month after an independent investigation by Adam Tolley KC found he had acted in an intimidating and aggressive way with officials in behaviour that could have amounted to bullying. 

But Mr Raab said the inquiry was ‘flawed’ and warned it set a ‘dangerous precedent’.

In a letter to Peter Szanto, chairman of Esher and Walton Conservative Association, dated May 19, Mr Raab said: ‘I am writing to let you know of my decision to step down at the next General Election. 

‘It has been a huge honour to represent the Conservatives, since 2010, in this wonderful constituency. 

‘Thank you for your steadfast support and tireless efforts, alongside all the teamwork and hard graft put in by our superb officers, councillors and members.’

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