East Surrey MP Peter Ainsworth is stepping down from the Shadow Cabinet.

Since December 2005 he has served as Shadow Secretary of State for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Statement:

"It has been a great honour to serve in David Cameron's Shadow Cabinet. Over the last three years the Conservative Party has made enormous progress on Green issues, campaigning for the Climate Change Act; developing alternatives to fossil fuel for energy; moving to oppose unsustainable growth in aviation; championing farming and the countryside; and fighting to save our green spaces. It has been a privilege to have played a role in all of these issues.

"I have enjoyed being in front line politics for most of the last sixteen years, but I have always maintained that the first duty of a Member of Parliament is to his or her constituents. This remains the case for me and I will continue to do my utmost for the people of East Surrey."