ConHome has just learnt that Ian Taylor, MP for Esher & Walton, is to stand down at the next General Election.
With David Curry, also leaving the Commons, Mr Taylor is one of the parliamentary party's last EU enthusiasts. Ken Clarke MP and John Gummer MP will be even more isolated in the next Parliament.
Very popular in his constituency and a leading authority on science and technology, Mr Taylor has campaigned in favour of Heathrow expansion in recent years.
He leaves behind a projected majority of 7,727 over the Liberal Democrats. There is no suggestion that his stepping down is related to expenses-gate.
Tim Montgomerie
7pm: PDF of Ian Taylor's resignation letter.
