I Will Still Run As MP When I Step Down - David Cameron

David Cameron

David Cameron has said he will stand as an MP in 2020 even though he will have stepped down as Prime Minister.

Mr Cameron ruled out a full third term as PM ahead of the General Election last year but has now said he would like to continue as MP for Witney in Oxfordshire.

He told BBC Radio Oxfordshire he would serve a full second term as Prime Minister but would then seek re-election as a backbencher in 2020.

He was returned with a majority of 25,155 in May.

When asked if he planned to continue as an MP, he said: "That is very much my intention.

"I love being MP for Witney and am very keen to continue. I draw huge strength from being a Member of Parliament in Oxfordshire."

Asked during Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday whether he would resign if the UK voted to leave the European Union, he replied bluntly: "No".

Tony Blair stood down as an MP at the same time he handed his premiership over to Gordon Brown in June 2007.

Mr Brown was an MP until last year, after his time as Prime Minister came to an end when Labour lost the election in 2010.

Sir John Major remained an MP for four years after losing the election to Mr Blair in 1997 and Baroness Thatcher for two years after losing to Sir John in a leadership contest.

Speaking in an interview with the BBC last March, Mr Cameron said: "I've said I'll stand for a full second term, but I think after that it will be time for new leadership.

"Terms are like Shredded Wheat - two are wonderful but three might just be too many."

Sky News Senior Political Correspondent Sophy Ridge said: "When David Cameron revealed he would not fight the next election as Conservative leader, you would have been forgiven for thinking he would stand down as MP for Witney at the same time.

"Just look at the example of Tony Blair, who hot-footed it out of the House of Commons as soon as he relinquished his role as leader of the Labour Party to pursue far more lucrative roles.

"But it appears Mr Cameron intends to continue representing his constituents after 2020, with the intriguing prospect of the former Prime Minister gazing down on his successor from the backbenches in silent judgement."