Big political figures from the region among MPs due to step down in upcoming election

A former Deputy Prime Minister, a former Home Secretary and the Speaker of the House of Commons are among the region's MPs who are stepping down at the upcoming election.

  • Amber Rudd - Hasting & Rye, Independent

Once considered a possible future Prime Minister, Amber Rudd was first elected in 2010.

She served as Home Secretary and Work & Pensions Secretary under Theresa May and Boris Johnson.

A prominent remainer during the referendum campaign, she eventually resigned from Johnson's cabinet in order to vote against the government to prevent a no deal Brexit.

Now sitting as an independent after the Conservative whip was withdrawn over this vote, she told the Evening Standard that she wouldn't be seeking relection, but added: "I'm not finished with politics, I'm just not standing at this election."

  • Sir David Lidington - Aylesbury, Conservative

Sir David Lidington has decided to leave the Commons after 27 years as an MP.

During that time he served as a minister under David Cameron and in Theresa May's cabinet, eventually being appointed her de facto deputy when he became Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster in 2018.

The Aylesbury MP cited the "heavy cost " of politics on family life as being behind his decision to stand down.

  • John Bercow - Buckinham, Speaker

Credit: Yui Mok/PA

John Bercow's shouts of "order" have become famous the world over as a symbol of the unique spectacle of the House of Commons.

He's stepping down as Speaker after 10 years in the chair and will not stand in the upcoming general election.

The Buckingham MP was elected as a Conservative in 1997.

During his time in office he's given greater power to backbenchers and allowing more parliamentary time for urgent questions.

But he's also been routinely accused of bias against the government and Brexit in particular. In 2018 he faced accusations of bullying by female staff, something he has strenuously denied.