THE LEADER of Oxfordshire County Council has revealed he will not be replacing David Cameron as Witney MP.

Ian Hudspeth announced today his decision not to put his name forward as a potential candidate in the Witney by-election, set to take place on October 20.

Voters in Witney will elect a new MP to replace Mr Cameron after he stepped down from the role last Monday.

Mr Hudspeth said: "I have considered very carefully if I should stand as a prospective Conservative candidate for the Witney by-election.

"After considerable soul searching and deliberation I have decided that now is not the time to put my name forward for the selection process. There are two main reasons for this decision.

"I strongly believe in Local Government and in particular the services that are delivered within Oxfordshire. I’m sure that everybody is aware that two reports have shown we could save over £110 million over five years in Oxfordshire.

"I want to work with partners and stakeholders to realise those savings for the benefit of the residents, whether taxpayers or service users.

"Since 2013 I have led the council with a minority Conservative group, I want to stand in the May 2017 elections to deliver a Conservative majority for the benefit of the residents whether taxpayers or service users.

"I wish the successful Conservative candidate all the best and will be campaigning to ensure he or she is returned as the MP for Witney."