Why did Louise Mensch step down as MP?

Tory MP Louise Mensch has announced her resignation from the Commons as she moves to the United States due to family commitments.

The 41-year-old mother of three has been an MP for Corby and East Northamptonshire and a member of Parliament for two years, she is a well-known Conservative backbencher.

Mensch has been a member of the Culture, Media and Sport Select Committee, which, amongst other issues, investigated with the phone hacking scandal.

In her resignation letter, she expressed her gratitude to the Prime Minister, stating it had been an honour serving her constituency and as an MP under Cameron’s leadership.

However, Mensch wrote she had: “been struggling for some time to find the best outcome for my family life, and have decided, in order to keep us together, to move to New York.”

Her husband, Peter Mensch, is the manager of Metallica, Jimmy Page and the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Mensch has found it difficult to balance her career and family life between the US and UK.

Whilst accepting her difficult situation, the Prime Minister stated: “it is with enormous regret that I accept your resignation as the Member of Parliament for Corby and East Northamptonshire.”

The Prime Minister said Mensch had been an “inspiring” MP and continued: “It goes without saying that I had wished to see you serve for longer and at a more senior level.” 

Line Elise Svanevik