David Cameron is to stand down as MP for Witney, triggering a by-election in the Oxfordshire seat, he has announced.
Mr Cameron told ITV News that he had thought "long and hard" over his choice but had ultimately decided that he would be a "distraction" from the work of government.
Former Conservative leader William Hague has praised David Cameron for his decision to stand down as an MP.
Mr Cameron has said that he did not want to become a "distraction" from the work of Theresa May's government.
Mr Hague agreed, saying former prime ministers were either viewed as a diversion or accused of doing too little.
Cameron said he would stay on as Witney MP after resigning as PM - but he said in practice it was an impossible switch.
The former prime minister has stepped down from his position in parliament as he resigned his seat as the MP for Witney.
He rose to lead the country before an equally dramatic downfall after failing to persuade the public to vote to remain in the EU.