Rising young Tory MP joins the great Red Wall exodus
LEVELLING up minister Dehenna Davison is stepping down as the exodus of Tory rising stars continues.
Miss Davison, who is just 29, made history three years ago as she became Bishop Auckland’s first ever Tory MP – and one of the youngest ever for the party.
However she confirmed last night she would follow two other young Conservatives who have quickly climbed the ranks – Chloe Smith and William Wragg – in standing down at the next general election.
She said: ‘I’ve dedicated the vast majority of my time to politics, and to help make people’s lives better.
‘But, to be frank, it has meant I haven’t had anything like a normal life for a twenty- something. Now the time feels right for me to devote more of my attention to life outside politics – mainly to my family, and helping support them as they’ve helped support me.’
Miss Davison, who works under Michael Gove as under-secretary of state at the Department for Levelling Up, said she would not be ‘checking out’ and will serve her Red Wall constituency with ‘gusto and dedication’ until the end.
Brought up on a council estate in Sheffield, the MP worked as an aide for Jacob Rees-Mogg before becoming elected at the third time of asking at the age of 26.
Earlier this week former work and pensions secretary Miss Smith, who has held the Norwich North seat for 13 years despite being just 40 years old, announced she would step down. Mr Wragg, vice-chairman of the influential 1922 committee at 34, also said he would not contest the seat of Hazel Grove in Greater Manchester at the next election.
Their narrow majorities and Labour’s poll leads have prompted suggestions they are stepping down before they lose their seats.
Labour MP Karl Turner said: ‘Surprised to hear Dehenna Davison is stepping down at the next election. Politics aside, Dehenna has been impressive and although Tory policy is deplorable I think she’s one of the few from 2019 that’s stood out.
‘Tory MPs are going before they are sent packing by the electorate.’
Senior Tories Sir Charles Walker, Nigel Adams, Adam Afriyie, Sir Gary Streeter and Crispin Blunt have also all announced their intention to stand down.
‘Going before they are sent packing’