Conservative MP Nickie Aiken, who represents the City of London, has announced she will stand down at the next general election.
The Tory MP has represented the Cities of London and Westminster since 2019, and was the first woman to represent the City in Parliament.
In a statement Aiken, who is also deputy chairman of the Conservative Party, wrote: “I have had the privilege of representing the most diverse and vibrant part of London, with its rich culture and history.”
It comes as her husband Alex Aiken, executive director of government communications, has quit the civil service to take up a role as foreign affairs adviser to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Aiken added: “This is not a decision I have taken lightly.
“My husband, Alex, who has supported me steadfastly throughout my political career, has accepted a job offer abroad and he deserves my full support as he pursues a new career.”
She said she would remain in the UK to represent her constituency “until the general election is called” and remained “loyal to my party and our Prime Minister”.
The MP joins growing ranks of colleagues in the House of Commons in announcing their intention to stand down ahead of the next general election, which is widely expected to see the Conservatives lose power.
Aiken is the 55th Conservative MP to resign, and the 87th in Parliament as a whole.
She is also the second to announce their plans this week, following former Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng’s revelation on Tuesday – hours before Liz Truss launched the ‘Popular Conservative’ movement.
Her successor to the seat will face a range of constituency issues, from challenges for businesses across Westminster and the city, campaigns for cladding and tenancy reform and efforts to tackle e-bikes and scooters.
Aiken has also spearheaded campaigns to legislate against the “scourge” of unlicensed pedicabs blasting music and bright lights, with the proposals mentioned in November’s King’s Speech.
A Cabinet spokesperson said: “Alex Aiken will leave the Civil Service in April to take up a new role as Communications Adviser to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He has worked in the Cabinet Office for the past decade, as Executive Director of Government Communications.
“His new role has been vetted through the Cabinet Office Appointments Rules process. He will follow the standard terms for external appointments of senior officers.
“The process to appoint his successor will be announced in due course.”
