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Boris Johnson 'steps down as MP' Boris Johnson stepping down as MP
(20 minutes later)
London Mayor Boris Johnson has announced he is to step down as Conservative MP for Henley.London Mayor Boris Johnson has announced he is to step down as Conservative MP for Henley.
The move, one of Mr Johnson's pre-election pledges, will spark a by-election in the Oxfordshire seat - one of the safest in the country.The move, one of Mr Johnson's pre-election pledges, will spark a by-election in the Oxfordshire seat - one of the safest in the country.
Oxfordshire councillor John Howell will be the Conservative candidate.Oxfordshire councillor John Howell will be the Conservative candidate.
Labour's candidate is Richard McKenzie, and the Lib Dems' is Stephen Kearney. The Greens have chosen Mark Stevenson and UKIP have selected Chris Adams.Labour's candidate is Richard McKenzie, and the Lib Dems' is Stephen Kearney. The Greens have chosen Mark Stevenson and UKIP have selected Chris Adams.
Mr Johnson announced his retirement from the House of Commons at his first news conference as London mayor.Mr Johnson announced his retirement from the House of Commons at his first news conference as London mayor.
The most likely date for the by-election is 26 June. He said it would be difficult for him to leave the constituency where he has been MP since succeeding former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine in 2001, with a majority of 8,458.
Boris Johnson succeeded former Deputy Prime Minister Michael Heseltine as MP for Henley at the 2001 general election with a majority of 8,458. "It will be a huge wrench for me to leave Henley, which is of course full of the nicest, kindest and most wonderful people in the world outside London, but I do so, of course, because this job here in City Hall is simply too big and it is growing all the time," he said.
He was re-elected in 2005 with an improved majority of 12,793 and a 53% share of the vote. The most likely date for the by-election is thought to be 26 June.
Mr Johnson was re-elected in 2005 with an improved majority of 12,793 and a 53% share of the vote.