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Theresa May's snap election took Westminster by surprise - and brought some careers to an early end.

While most MPs are fighting tooth and nail to keep their seats, some announced they'd quit rather than compete in the general election.

Among Labour MPs 12 announced they wouldn't run, including former Home Secretary Alan Johnson and Michael Dugher, a key figure in the government of Gordon Brown.

Twelve Tories also confirmed they would not stand again including George Osborne and Eric Pickles.

Other Tories stood down before facing possible deselection, including one facing claims about a local football club and another who branded homosexuality a "danger to society".

Labour's retirees total later rose to 13 after former Liverpool Walton MP Steve Rotheram stepped down to be the region's metro mayor.

Meanwhile former Tory Douglas Carswell announced he'd leave Westminster just weeks after quitting Ukip, to which he had defected.

Big guns including Ed Miliband and Ken Clarke will stay on to try for another five years. But Nigel Farage - who isn't an MP despite trying seven times - won't be standing as one again.

Here is a list of MPs we know so far who are leaving service, some at a ripe age and others for more controversial reasons.

If there are any we've missed please e-mail dan.bloom@mirror.co.uk and this list will be updated.

Tories

George Osborne (Tatton)

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

Six-jobs George Osborne revealed he will NOT stand again as an MP.

He made the announcement in the Evening Standard, of which he is now editor.

The former Chancellor had faced fury for cashing in on his old job to the tune of nearly £1million since he left office less than a year ago.

Despite working as a one-day-a-week advisor to financial giants BlackRock and editing as major newspaper, he claimed he was still representing the people of Tatton.

He wrote: “I am stepping down from the House of Commons - for now. But I will remain active in the debate about our country’s future and on the issues I care about, like the success of the Northern Powerhouse."

Eric Pickles (Brentwood and Ongar)

(Image: Roland Leon / Daily Mirror)

Former Conservative Party chairman Sir Eric Pickles is standing down at the age of 65 after 25 years in Parliament.

He said he was going to “miss it dreadfully” but there always comes a point when things must end.

Sir Eric said: “I think it’s always better to leave when people are asking why you’re going, rather than why you’re staying.

“I’d always decided this was going to be my last Parliament having served 25 years and came to the view that it was time Brentwood and Ongar had a new MP.”

Sir Eric also served as secretary for communities and local government between 2010 and 2015.

Andrew Tyrie (Chichester)

The influential Treasury Committee chairman and arch-Remainer announced he would be standing down after 20 years in Parliament - almost to the day.

He had been a thorn in the side of government run by his own party as he gave frank assessments of its running of the economy.

His committee also blasted misleading statements by both sides of the EU referendum campaign.

Despite his backing for Remain his Chichester seat voted narrowly to leave the EU last year.

"I am determined, and hopefully young enough, to contribute in other ways in the years ahead," the 60-year-old said.

He said he took his decision "after careful thought" but did not say why. He has an enormous 24,413 majority in Chichester - gifting a mega-safe seat to someone Tory central office will choose.

Tory MPs were facing a tense week 7 days after the election was called to find out if they would be reselected. Unlike Labour, their reselection was not automatic.

David Mackintosh (Northampton South)

He was elected to Parliament just two years ago. But David Mackintosh will not stand again - and announced it just days before what could have been a deselection vote.

It comes after the BBC investigated a loan to Northampton Town FC made when he was the borough council's leader.

According to the BBC, more than £10m of the money is now missing and police are investigating.

Mr Mackintosh denies wrongdoing, but local members had expressed misgivings about reselecting him to the BBC, ConservativeHome and the local newspaper.

At first he said he had no plans to stand down.

But he later wrote on Twitter: "It has been an honour and privilege but I have decided not to seek re-election as an MP."

Andrew Turner (Isle of Wight)

(Image: Johnny Green/PA Wire)

The Tory MP announced he'd stand down just hours after it emerged he shocked students by saying “homosexuality is wrong and a danger to society”.

Andrew Turner, who had represented the island’s only seat since 2001, said in a statement that he would not contest the election on June 8.

He said: “After 16 years I have come to the decision that it time for a new generation to take up the mantle of representing my fantastic constituency.

“I am grateful for the support I have received from islanders and proud of the record that Conservatives have in delivering for the island.

“In the forthcoming election I will be supporting the Conservative candidate to ensure the strong and stable leadership of Theresa May is returned to Downing Street.”

Edward Garnier (Harborough)

(Image: Birmingham Post)

Elected in 1992, the MP's gigantic 19,632 majority is now up for grabs by a budding new Tory.

The 64-year-old former solicitor general said it would be a "tremendous wrench" to leave the Commons.

He said he will continue his work as a defamation lawyer and spend more time with his grandchild.

Gerald Howarth (Aldershot)

(Image: PA)

The traditional Tory, a former RAF officer and Brexit-backer, is standing down from Parliament at the age of 69.

In his statement, he boasted of his "brief" time as Margaret Thatcher's Parliamentary Private Secretary "as she restored our place in the world".

His career included such gems as telling an anti-fox hunting voter to "get a life" and saying Gurkhas should be dispersed round the country like asylum seekers.

He said: "I have every confidence in the outstanding leadership of Prime Minister Theresa May and I have assured her of my fullest support from beyond the Palace of Westminster."

Simon Burns (Chelmsford)

(Image: PA)

The veteran Tory MP, a former health and transport minister, told Essex Live: "I am very sad to go after 30 years in the job, and although there's been enormous satisfaction in helping people, I'm still sad.

"The time has come for a new face and a new approach to representing the people of Chelmsford.

"Now is the right time."

Angela Watkinson (Hornchurch and Upminster)

The MP since 2001 and former Tory whip is quitting for health reasons after suffering a minor stroke last year.

She said: "The next two years will be challenging and I wish my successor good luck in working towards the best possible outcome for our country.”

Alan Haselhurst (Saffron Walden)

(Image: Press Association)

The former Deputy Speaker is standing down after a marathon 44 total years in Parliament.

At first he had said he wanted to stand - but there were reports of the 79-year-old facing open calls to retire.

He eventually said a week after the election was called: "Whilst I have no doubt as to my capacity and commitment to carry out my representative duties, I have begun to recognize that it might test the friendship and goodwill of so many people whose support I have enjoyed if I sought to do so for a further five years."

Peter Lilley (Hitchen and Harpenden)

(Image: Reuters)

The Brexit-backing former cabinet minister is standing down after 34 years at the age of 73 - and spelt Theresa May's name as a soft porn star's by accident.

In his farewell letter he called her Teresa May, a name shared by the star of Nude & Naughty, Petticoat Passions Vol 1 and Lesbian Student Nurses.

"I am standing down after 34 years because of her!" he told the Commons.

"I am standing down because I am confident that the country will be safe after the election under her strong and stable leadership... I wish her, all MPs and this House I love Godspeed."

He spent five years as social security secretary under John Major, famously bragging he had a "little list of benefit offenders" who "never would be missed".

He told the Tory conference in 1992: "There's young ladies who get pregnant just to jump the housing queue, and dads who support the kids of the ladies they have kissed.

"And I haven't even mentioned all those sponging socialists."

Karen Lumley (Redditch)

(Image: Publicity picture)

Tory Karen Lumley famously unseated Labour's Jacqui Smith in the 2010 general election.

But she had been absent from the Commons frequently due to health reasons, speaking in the chamber only four times since September.

She said: "Sadly due to ill health I have decided not to stand for re-election.

"There is nothing more important or rewarding than helping people, however I need to be fully fit to be able to undertake the job properly."

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Labour

Alan Johnson (Hull West and Hessle)

(Image: Liverpool Echo)

The ex-Home Secretary and ex-Shadow Chancellor, once tipped as a Labour leader, will bow out of the Commons after 20 years.

Former postie Mr Johnson told his local constituency party of his decision.

He wrote: “Next month will mark the 20th anniversary of my tenure as Member of Parliament for Hull West and Hessle.

“Every day has been a privilege and a pleasure but it can’t go on for ever and the electoral cycle means that each incumbent has to think again about what’s best for them, the constituency and the Party.

“As far as the constituency and the Party are concerned, no MP wants to put them through the anguish of a mid-term by-election, so for me the personal decision is whether to retire now or in 2022 when I’ll be into my 70s."

There is speculation David Prescott, who works in Mr Corbyn’s office and is the son of Labour ex-Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, could replace him.

Michael Dugher (Barnsley East)

The former Shadow Transport Secretary and Shadow Culture Secretary was one of the first out of Camp Corbyn when he was sacked last year.

He claimed the Labour leader "didn't like things I'd been writing" - and now he'll be out of Westminster completely.

Bruiser Mr Dugher joined Parliament in 2010 after spending years inside the New Labour machine, including as PM Gordon Brown's spokesman.

He said: "I have worked for the Labour movement for nearly all of the past 20 years. Throughout that time I have always tried to fight for a Labour party that is in touch with working class people and one that can get into government so we can actually do something to really help people.

"I wish the party and more importantly the people of Barnsley nothing but the best for the future. There are always lots of reasons when you make any big decisions.

"It's time now for me to make a difference in life outside of politics. It's also time that I do what is best for my wife and children, whom I love with all my heart."

Andy Burnham (Leigh)

(Image: PA)

The former Shadow Home Secretary is not running because he is standing to be Greater Manchester's new metro mayor on May 4.

He had always intended to stand down and trigger a by-election if he won.

He told ITV that regardless of the result, he would not be standing for Parliament.

In a statement, he told his constituents: "In standing to be the first elected Mayor of Greater Manchester, I am of course still seeking to represent Leigh on the national stage, alongside the other towns and cities of Greater Manchester.

"That is why I am still in the position of asking for your vote next month. Some things will never change!"

Gisela Stuart (Birmingham Edgbaston)

(Image: Birmingham Mail)

The Brexiteer and critic of Jeremy Corbyn told her local party she is standing down after 20 years in the House of Commons.

She said: "After 22 years of campaigning and 20 years of having had the privilege of being the MP for this diverse, forever surprising and wonderful marginal seat I know when it is time to stand down and pass on the baton."

Her surprise win in the 1997 general election symbolised the success of the Labour Party under Tony Blair in reaching out to traditional Conservative voters.

"True blue" Edgbaston had never previously had a Labour MP, and was seen as a Tory stronghold.

Jim Dowd (Lewisham West and Penge)

(Image: BBC)



The former whip under Tony Blair, who joined Parliament in 1992, told the Mirror he had decided 2015 would be his last election at the time but only told family and close friends.

"If a week is a long time in politics then 25 years is an eternity," he said.

"Now this has come up it would mean going on to 2022 and I would be 72 by then. I would like a few years doing things I choose for myself and family matters."

Mr Dowd said Jeremy Corbyn wasn't why he quit - but warned the leadership must change.

The MP who first stood unsuccessfully in the Tory landslide of 1983 said: "I could feel what the campaign was like then and how things were and how the Labour Party was regarded, and I can see a lot of similarities between that and now.

"Selling Jeremy Corbyn on the doorstep is not a simple task... It's a very uphill struggle for the Labour Party"

Asked how this can be resolved he said: "I think there can be a way out but it is not under the present leadership, it's as simple as that.

"I don't think the Labour proposition is going to attract traditional Labour voters or the swing voters who voted previously who we need to win over."

Tom Blenkinsop (Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland)

(Image: Getty)

One of Jeremy Corbyn 's biggest critics in the Labour party, he announced he wouldn't stand due to 'irreconcilable differences' with the leadership.

He wrote on his website: "I have made no secret about my significant and irreconcilable differences with the current Labour leadership.

"It is because of these differences I feel I cannot in good faith stand as the Labour candidate for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland.

“Representing the people of Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland has been the proudest years of my life.

“I will do all I can in my time remaining as an MP to champion my constituents and the area that means so much to me, as I have been proud to do over the last 7 years.”

Rob Marris (Wolverhampton South West)

(Image: Twitter/Rob Marris)

Rob Marris may have bitten the bullet by standing down - he had a majority of just 801 over the Tories in 2015.

His seat, and his successor as candidate, will be one of the main targets for the Tory attack machine.

Mr Marris served in the shadow Treasury team under Jeremy Corbyn until he dramatically resigned midway through a committee meeting.

He told MPs he would not return "unless there is a change of leadership in the Labour party".

His farewell statement gave no reason for leaving, saying: "After much soul-searching, I have decided not to stand in the 2017 General Election.

“At my age and after 11 years in Parliament, I have decided that it’s time to step down and support a new Labour candidate for the city."

David Anderson (Blaydon)

The former miner and Shadow Cabinet minister is leaving his safe seat in the north east at the age of 63 "reluctantly" for "reasons of health, age and my family's needs".

He joined Jeremy Corbyn's top team following a wave of shadow cabinet resignations - with the Scotland portfolio added to his initial role as shadow Northern Ireland secretary.

He added: "I will be campaigning hard with our new candidate and the positive policy platform put forward by our leader, Jeremy Corbyn, and the whole Labour movement."

He said the election was a "cynical attempt by the Tories to put their interests before our country", but insisted: "We'll show them that there is a different, more positive and hopeful way to run our country than that proposed by the right-wing, anti-public service and pro-austerity Tory party."

Pat Glass (North West Durham)

(Image: Getty)

The MP was famed for becoming Shadow Education Secretary under Jeremy Corbyn for two DAYS before resigning.

She also branded a voter a "horrible racist" and said "I'm never coming back to wherever this is" in a memorable election campaign gaffe.

Ms Glass had already announced she would stand down at the next election,which was only expected in 2020.

She said: "I’ve already made my decision and that decision stands. It’s the right thing for me and my constituents."

"I will not be seeking re-election in June. There will be a new North West Durham MP on June 9."

Iain Wright (Hartlepool)

Labour MP Iain Wright said he won’t defend his Hartlepool seat.

In a short statement, the Business Committee chairman said it had been an “enormous privilege” to represent the constituency.

But he said it was a “good opportunity” to do other things after spending a third of his life as an MP.

It’s thought Hartlepool will be a key target seat for Ukip in the upcoming poll - a battle that will be made much easier without a sitting MP.

Andrew Smith (Oxford East)

(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)

The former chief Treasury secretary under Tony Blair is standing down after 30 years.

He wrote to his constituents: "This election is for a Parliament which is likely to run until 2022, when I would be over 71."

He is the only Labour MP in Oxfordshire but won a thumping 15,000 majority in the 2015 election.

Fiona MacTaggart (Slough)

(Image: Birmingham Post and Mail)

Labour MP Fiona MacTaggart stepped down just minutes before Jeremy Corbyn launched his election campaign.

She was one of 13 MPs who voted against holding the election.

In a letter to Labour colleagues, she said she had become “bored by the political squabbles over personalities” and “depressed by the fantastic capacity in the voluntary sector is being run down by lack of funds or poor leadership.”

Graham Allen (Nottingham North)

Labour MP Graham Allen announced he would not be standing again due to ill health.

He said he would have served until 2020 "enthusiastically" but did not believe he could guarantee sustaining "the pace and standards" he expects for a further five year term and did not want to let anybody down.

In a letter to his constituency party members, he wrote: "To give up the job I love serving the people I came from has been the hardest decision of my life.

"My passion to defend the wonderful people of Nottingham North and to reform our national politics burns as fiercely as ever.

"However, I have suffered extended periods of ill health this year with more expected."

Steve Rotheram (Liverpool Walton)

(Image: Getty)

Steve Rotheram only confirmed he was stepping down AFTER winning the election for the new metro mayor for Liverpool city.

His Liverpool Walton seat is said to be Labour’s safest in the country and it emerged there were disagreements about who should take it.

Labour’s process was to select a candidate via head office using the ruling NEC.

But Mr Rotheram was adamant a local candidate should get the role - with city mayor Joe Anderson already vying for it.

He hit out at the “powers that be” in a strongly-worded statement accusing Labour HQ of a “significant misjudgement”.

He said: “Over the last few weeks, since the announcement of the snap General Election, I have spoken with numerous people to try to ensure that they understand the depth of feeling that a local candidate should be chosen to succeed me – just as my predecessor did when I was selected in 2010.

“I believe that the failure of the Labour Party to allow local representation on the panels to select candidates is a significant misjudgement.

“I have tried my utmost to convince the powers that be that the most acceptable solution would be a local representative.

“Hopefully that may still be the outcome.”

Lib Dems

John Pugh (Southport)

(Image: Handout)

Our colleagues in Southport believe the MP was due to stand down in May, but the shock announcement "forced his hand".

"I am confident though that the good people of Southport who make up their own minds will stick with Liberal Democrats again," he said.

The Lib Dems' education spokesman and one of just nine of the party's MPs, Mr Pugh had a thin majority of 1,322.

But his party has been on the march, making gains in several council by-elections and Westminster seat Richmond Park.

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Others

Douglas Carswell (Clacton)

(Image: Getty)

Ex-Ukip MP Douglas Carswell has resigned as an MP, and will not stand in June’s General Election.

It comes the day after former Ukip donor Arron Banks confirmed he would challenge the newly-independent MP in his Clacton constituency, despite knowing ‘nothing at all’ about the area.

He said he wants to move on to other things, and looks forward to “being able to read newspapers without appearing in them.”

In a statement, Carswell said: “I have decided that I will not now be seeking re-election. I intend to vote Conservative on June 8th and will be offering my full support to whoever the Clacton Constituency Conservatives select as their candidate.

“It is sometimes said that all political careers end in failure. It doesn't feel like that to me today. I have stood for Parliament five times, won four times, and helped win the referendum last June. Job done. I'm delighted.”

Michelle Thomson (Edinburgh West)

The former SNP representative decided to stand down after she was barred from standing for the party.

The politician, who has sat as an independent since losing the party whip in 2015, said she was "very disappointed" with the SNP's ruling – as police continue to probe her involvement in alleged mortgage fraud .

Thomson resigned from the front bench and her membership was automatically suspended after it emerged police were investigating “alleged irregularities" relating to property deals she made with her former solicitor, who was struck-off for misconduct in 2014.

Thomson denies any wrongdoing and insisted she has been a victim of "sustained personal attacks" for some time, the Daily Record reports.

Natalie McGarry (Glasgow East)

(Image: PA)

The MP charged with fraud offences by police confirmed she will not seek re-election.

Glasgow East MP Natalie McGarry was elected as an SNP member in 2015 but resigned the party whip following the fraud allegations, which she denies, and now sits as in independent.

She was charged by the police last year over alleged fraud relating to potential missing funds from the group Women For Independence, which was set up in the run-up to the 2014 Scottish referendum, and the SNP's Glasgow Regional Association, the Daily Record reports.

Ms McGarry - who revealed recently she is pregnant - confirmed her decision not to stand at next month's General Election on her Facebook page.

She wrote: "It has been a huge honour and a privilege to have served and represented the people of Glasgow East in the House of Commons for the last two years."