The 71-year-old, who has represented Bromley and Chislehurst since 2006 and held a junior ministerial position in the coalition government, currently presides over the Commons justice committee.

Acknowledging his wife's ongoing battle with her health since her stroke in 2019, Sir Bob expressed his desire to support her, much like she supported him throughout his career. In praising Prime Minister Rishi Sunak for his leadership, Sir Bob also committed to serving his constituents until he officially steps down.

With a history as a Conservative party vice-chairman and chair of the justice committee for nine years, Sir Bob secured his parliamentary seat with a significant majority in the 2019 general election. Recently, he discussed the complexities of rectifying the wrongful convictions in the Post Office Horizon scandal.

His announcement adds to the growing list of Conservative MPs planning to exit politics at the next election, an announcement coming shortly after Justice Minister Mike Freer decided to step down following death threats and an attack on his office.