THE Tory exodus continued today as armed forces minister James Heappey announced he would not be standing for re-election.

The Conservative MP for Wells, Somerset, said he wanted to “pursue a different career” as he became the 62^nd Tory MP to throw in the towel.

He follows former prime minister Theresa May – who announced her impending departure last week – and with four former Conservatives who now sit as independents also leaving more than a fifth of the 2019 intake of Tory MPs will or have quit.

Government sources said Mr Heappey will leave his role at the end of the month as polling shows the Tories’ popularity at a record low. 

It comes as Mr Sunak ruled out holding an election on May 2 to coincide with local elections, having previously indicated he will send the country to the polls in the latter half of 2024.

Mr Heappey said in a letter shared on social media that while it was a “painful decision” not to contest the newly created seat he had been selected for, he wanted to “prioritise my family and pursue a different career.”

Mr Heappey, who was an army major during a 10-year career in the Rifles, had been hotly tipped to succeed Ben Wallace as defence secretary following his resignation last year.

But Mr Sunak instead gave the Cabinet post to Grant Shapps.

Liberal Democrat defence spokesman Richard Foord MP said: “This is yet another blow to Rishi Sunak’s authority, as another Conservative minister abandons his failing government.

“Sunak needs to put the country out of its misery and call an election now instead of allowing this farce to drag on any longer.”

The Ministry of Defence declined to comment.