William Hague has resigned as foreign secretary and announced his intention to quit as an MP at the general election.
The former Conservative leader will instead become leader of the House of Commons and provide political advice to prime minister David Cameron until the end of this parliament.
Hague will not seek re-election to his Richmond constituency, which he has represented since the age of 28.
David Cameron said Hague would still play a key role in the government.
1/2 I'd like to pay an enormous tribute to @WilliamJHague who is standing down as an MP at the next election.
2/2 Until then, I'm delighted he'll remain my de facto political deputy, play a key campaigning role and be Leader of the House of Commons.
Hague said he was proud of his time in office:
Tonight I am standing down as Foreign Secretary after 4 years to serve as Leader of the House of Commons
I will not stand as an MP in the May 2015 General Election, after 26 years as an MP
Role as Leader of the House means I will finish in politics as I began – speaking in Parliament and campaigning among the voters
From May 2015, after such a long period in politics I want to embark on many other things I have always wanted to do
Renewal in politics is good, and holding office is not an end in itself. After 26 years as an MP time will be right for me to move on