Britain’s Minister for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, has announced he will not stand for re-election to Parliament. In a letter to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Saturday, Heaton-Harris requested to remain as Secretary of State for Northern Ireland until the upcoming general election.
Despite stepping down as an MP, Heaton-Harris expressed his commitment to continue campaigning for the Conservative Party in the next election, pledging to support Sunak’s bid to return as Prime Minister.
Heaton-Harris, first elected in 2010, has held various significant roles throughout his political career. Appointed as Northern Ireland Minister by former Prime Minister Liz Truss in September 2022, he was reappointed by Sunak the following month. Previously, he served as Chief Whip under Boris Johnson, overseeing party discipline. His extensive government experience includes positions in transport, foreign affairs, and Commonwealth development.
This announcement comes as the Conservative Party faces a challenging political landscape, trailing behind the opposition Labour Party in opinion polls ahead of the national election expected later this year. Heaton-Harris’s decision marks the end of a notable tenure in Parliament, with his continued involvement in the Conservative campaign highlighting his enduring dedication to his party’s success.