Tim Loughton, a seasoned Conservative MP for East Worthing and Shoreham since 1997, has announced he will step down at the next general election. Loughton, a former children’s minister during David Cameron’s tenure, has become the 64th Conservative to declare such intentions, amid a larger trend of MP resignations from the party. Known for his critical stance on China and active role on the Conservative backbenches, he has emphasized his commitment to serving his constituents until his term ends.

The impact of his departure and those of other Conservative MPs is seen as a significant challenge for Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, particularly given the competition from other parties in recent by-election trends. Labour, for instance, has been vocal about the deteriorating state of the UK’s roads, with Angela Rayner of Labour criticising the government for the record high backlog of one million potholes. The situation presents a broader concern about local services and infrastructure management ahead of upcoming elections. As Loughton prepares to exit, the focus remains on how his and other vacancies will affect the political landscape and the Conservative Party’s ability to retain key constituencies.