Vince Cable confirms he will step down as MP amid growing snap election speculation
3 min read
Vince Cable is to quit as an MP if a snap election is held later this year, it has emerged.
The 76-year-old former Lib Dem leader said he was "not be able to commit" to another five-year term after his party was put on "election alert" for a snap poll in the autumn.
In April, Sir Vince had said he was "very clear" about his intention to fight any election which took place before 2022.
But in a letter sent to local members on Wednesday, the party grandee confirmed he had asked the party to begin the selection process to find a new candidate for his Twickhenham seat.
"In recent days, the party has been put on election alert for the autumn and this has led me to make a final decision on whether I will run again as MP for Twickenham," he wrote.
"I had planned to continue to serve out my term and remain as your MP for the duration of this parliament and am committed to serving you and the residents of Twickenham until the point of a General Election, which is currently scheduled for May 2022.
"However, given the need to prepare for the possibility, I have concluded that I would not be able to commit to a five year term from now until possibly 2024/25, with the result that I have given the local party notice of my decision so that they can proceed to select a new parliamentary candidate for Twickenham in time for a possible Autumn election."
Meanwhile, in an email sent to potential candidates the party said it had triggered "emergency provisions" to speed up the selection process.
But in a blow for the new Lib Dem MP Chuka Umunna, who was tipped to stand in the, the party confirmed they would be drawing up an all women shortlist.
A party spokesperson said: “Vince has enjoyed a fantastic parliamentary career in the Liberal Democrats, and representing the people of Twickenham; he will continue to serve as the MP until the next election, whenever that may be.”
The announcement comes days after fellow senior Lib Dem MP Norman Lamb confirmed he would also be standing down at the next election.
Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, the former health minister said it was an "end of an era" as he vowed to set up a new fund aimed at improving mental health provision around the country.
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