Former Lancaster MP Ben Wallace has announced he will not be standing for the leadership of the Conservative party.
Mr Wallace was MP for the former constituency of Lancaster and Wyre from 2005 until 2010, and currently still represents constituents in part of North Lancashire, as the member of parliament for Wyre and Preston North.
He said his focus instead was ‘to keep this great country safe’.
He is also a cabinet minister, serving as Defence Secretary since 2019.
Mr Wallace had been an early bookie’s favourite to succeed Boris Johnson, who quit earlier this week, and until this morning was still second favourite, behind former Chancellor, Rishi Sunak.
In a statement, he said: ‘’After careful consideration and discussing with colleagues and family, I have taken the decision not to enter the contest for leadership of the Conservative Party.
‘’I am very grateful to all my parliamentary colleagues and wider members who have pledged support.
‘’It has not been an easy choice to make, but my focus is on my current job and keeping this great country safe.
‘’I wish the very best of luck to all candidates and hope we swiftly return to focusing on the issues that we are all elected to address.’’


Children's play area in Lancaster opens after £118k revamp
Illegal tobacco and counterfeit clothing seized during raid on Lancaster city centre shop
Lancaster bowling green fundraiser hits target
Six food businesses in Lancaster district fail allergen tests
LISTEN: Stars of Morecambe and Wise stage show can't wait for Eric's 100th birthday
LISTEN: Thousands enjoy Wray Fair finale to annual scarecrow festival
PHOTOS and VIDEO: Incredible sand art on Morecambe beach honours Sir David Attenborough
Row over Morecambe FC debt as ex-directors' firm issues winding-up petition against club
Morecambe Pride handed £3,500 grant boost
North West awards delight for talented stars of Lancaster musicals
Music festival set for Lancaster over Bank Holiday postponed due to ‘ongoing planning’
Lancashire Police Museum in Lancaster celebrates fourth anniversary
Police investigate alleged sexual exploitation at Lancaster flat
Beyond the Beat: Two arrests after assault in Lancaster city centre
Morecambe MP "appalled" as Lancashire set to quit refugee resettlement scheme
Replica RAF helicopter to go on display in Lancaster at three-day show
Life-size knitted mannequin pops up ahead of Eric Morecambe's 100th birthday
Stars play in celebrity football match in Morecambe in memory of brave teenager
Roses are red! Lancaster University students celebrate fifth straight victory
70 homes in Carnforth evacuated after bomb scare

