by Sunny Hundal

Here at Liberal Conspiracy we are shocked to hear of a Tory MP who actually believes in man-made global warming.

So all due credit to Conservative ex-cabinet minister John Gummer, who has said he will step down as an MP at the next election to focus on the campaign against climate change.

The BBC reports:

In a statement, Mr Gummer, 70, said he had been “forced to rethink my plans for the future” following the “very disappointing results” of the Copenhagen negotiations. After talking to colleagues internationally, he said he realised he could not commit “to the work that they believe has to be done” while continuing as an MP.

…

The former agriculture minister and environment secretary said he had had an opportunity to play a part in raising the alert about climate change – and had hoped to continue to do so as a backbencher. But he added: “Those of us who have any chance to influence the course of events, even in a small way, have simply to make that our first priority, however difficult the choice.”

Perhaps he could start with his fellow Tory MPs and convince them.