Michael Gove and Andrea Ledsom have joined a record number of Conservative MPs who are leaving before the election with no intention of apply, BNR reported.
The total number of Tories who have said they will stand down and not run for the Conservative Party has reached 78, beating the record of 72 in 1997.
Michael Gove, who has held many ministerial posts over the years, said it was time for a new generation to lead the party. His decision was expected given the strong competition in his constituency from the Lib Dems, but also confirms the feeling that the Tories are running in the face of a likely heavy loss in the general election set for July 4 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak.
Andrea Leadsom, who has also had a rich political career, is also stepping down. Another prominent figure is former Prime Minister Theresa May, who called on the Tories in her final speech last night in the House of Commons to “come out and fight”.
Meanwhile, the latest opinion poll shows Labor maintaining its 21-point lead over the Conservatives.