Tory chairman Michael Ancram to retire

Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Former Tory chairman Michael Ancram is to stand down at the next General Election for health reasons, his constituency office said today.

Party grandee Mr Ancram, who is the Marquess of Lothian, was caught up in the expenses scandal and repaid almost £100 he claimed to have his swimming pool boiler serviced.

The 64-year-old has been MP for the safe Tory seat of Devizes, Wiltshire, since 1992 and held it with a majority of 13,194 in 2005.

In a letter to the chairman of his constituency party, he said he had been taking medication for a heart problem for the last six years.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Thank you for registering

Tory chairman Michael Ancram to retire

Bookmark popover

Join our commenting forum

Thank you for registering