Rishi Sunak Faces Mass Exodus as More Than 75 MPs Resign in Poll-Bound UK

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is experiencing a significant exodus from his Conservative Party, with over 75 Tory MPs announcing they will not seek re-election in the upcoming UK general election. This marks a post-war record for the number of Conservative MPs standing down.

With the general election set for July 4, the number of retiring Tory MPs now surpasses the previous post-1945 high of 72 who quit before Tony Blair’s 1997 landslide victory for Labour. Labour is expected to achieve a significant win again this year.

The mass departures suggest that the Conservatives may be on course to lose power after 14 years, although Labour will need a substantial swing to secure a majority in parliament.

Among the notable MPs standing down is “Bionic MP” Craig Mackinlay, who recently returned to parliament with prosthetic arms and legs following a quadruple amputation. Mackinlay initially intended to seek re-election but cited the physical demands of an all-out election campaign and the rigorous work schedule as reasons for his departure.

Other significant figures stepping down include Eurosceptic Tory veteran John Redwood and former minister Greg Clark. Former Conservative Prime Minister Theresa May and ex-chancellor Nadhim Zahawi are also among those not seeking re-election. Additionally, Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris will be leaving.

So far, 118 of the 650 MPs in parliament have announced they will not seek re-election. More MPs are expected to announce their departure before the June 7 deadline for parties to confirm their election candidates.

Media reports indicate that the Conservatives are struggling to field prospective MPs in some areas. Sunak’s surprise decision to call the election six months earlier than required also came before Labour had finalized all its candidates.