Theresa May, the former prime minister, has announced she will stand down as an MP at the next general election.

Mrs May, who led the country between 2016 and 2019, said she had taken the “difficult decision” to step down from her position after 27 years representing the constituency of Maidenhead.

Speaking to the Maidenhead Advertiser, Mrs May said: “It has been an honour and a privilege to serve everyone in the Maidenhead constituency as the Member of Parliament for the last 27 years.

“Being an MP is about service to one’s constituents and I have always done my best to ensure that I respond to the needs of local people and the local area.

“Since stepping down as Prime Minister I have enjoyed being a backbencher again and having more time to work for my constituents and champion causes close to my heart including most recently launching a Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking.”

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