By Michael Sercan Daventry

LONDON (AA): Former Prime Minister David Cameron announced he would be stepping down as a lawmaker Monday, saying he did not want to be a distraction to the new government.

Cameron retired as premier after losing June’s referendum on Britain’s EU membership. He had previously indicated he would continue to represent Witney in Oxfordshire, southern England, until the next election in 2020.

However, he told broadcaster ITV News: “In my view, with modern politics, with the circumstances of my resignation, it isn’t really possible to really be a proper backbench MP [member of parliament] as a former prime minister.”

He said continuing in parliament would be a “big distraction and a big diversion from what the government wants to do for our country.”

Cameron, 49, did not specify his plans for the future but said he wanted to remain in public service.

Prime Minister, Theresa May, responding to Cameron’s announcement, said, “I was proud to serve in David Cameron’s Government – and under his leadership we achieved great things. Not just stabilising the economy, but also making great strides in delivering serious social reform.

“His commitment to lead a one nation Government is one that I will continue. I thank him for everything he has done for the Conservative Party and the country and I wish him and his family well for the future.”

A lawmaker since 2001, he became Conservative Party leader in 2005 and prime minister in 2010. He was succeeded as party leader and prime minister two months ago by Theresa May.

The resignation means a by-election will be held in Witney, which is a safe district for the Conservatives.

Additional reporting by The Musilm News

[Photo: Former UK Prime Ministr, David Cameron resigns as an MP.  Photographer: Olga Akmen/AA]