STOURBRIDGE MP Margot James has announced she is to stand down.

Despite gaining the whip back last week after previously rebelling against the Government over Brexit - the Conservative MP has confirmed she will cease to be an MP when the General Election is officially called and she will not be seeking re-election.

Just days ago she told the News she was hoping to be reselected as the candidate for Stourbridge but in her resignation letter to Prime Minister Boris Johnson she said: "Brexit now so dominates politics that it has become the lens through which every Conservative candidate's credentials are judged. I am fortunate to have considerable support in my constituency, but sadly the opposite is the case among too many members of the Stourbridge Conservative Association.

"I have therefore decided to stand down from Parliament at the forthcoming election."

She added: "I was very pleased to receive the whip back and I wanted to continue in Parliament. It was only after a period of reflection that I realised that I needed to bring the three-and-a-half year conflict between the result of the referendum in my constituency, and my own view of where the future interests of the country lie to a close."

Stourbridge Conservative Association said on Facebook: "It was in accordance with party rules that Margot, as incumbent, was offered chance to apply for re-adoption. Whilst she initially submitted an application to do so, she has today confirmed her withdrawal from the process.

"We will of course keep members and constituents up to speed with the selection process for our new candidate over the coming week."

In her newsletter to constituents Ms James said: "It has been a huge privilege, and a great pleasure, to have had the opportunity to represent such a wonderful part of our country.

"The people are the best. Decent, hardworking, down to earth with a great sense of shared community.

"I want to thank the many people who have been so supportive during these tumultuous times. 

"I will miss the many individuals and organisations who have made my work both possible and worthwhile.

"I am in the middle of helping to move a few important projects forward, for example the provision of adult learning at the Hagley Road site of what was Stourbridge College, developments at Longlands and Colley Gate, progress towards truly integrated care between the hospital and GP practices. As well as individuals who my team and I are helping with various problems."