Louise Mensch Quits British Politics

Louise Mensch has left British politics after two and a half years as MP of Corby and East Northamptonshire.

She told the Northamptonshire Telegraph, who broke the story this morning, that she plans to move to New York with her three children to live with her new husband, Metallica manager Peter Mensch.

She said: "I am completely devastated. It's been unbelievably difficult to manage family life.

"I love Corby and East Northamptonshire but my family has to come first."

Mrs Mensch, who served on the Select Committee for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, had planned to move in 2015, after the next election, but did not want to uproot her children when they were more settled.

Earlier this year, a 60-year-old man called Frank Zimmerman was convicted of sending messages threatening Mrs Mensch and her family.

They said she would have to choose which of her children died first, unless she stopped using Twitter.

A by-election for the Corby and East Northamptonshire seat will be held on November 15.

Mrs Mensch said: "When I took the post I was in a different position but sometimes life throws you a curve ball that you didn't expect.

"We are now going to be moving out to New York as a family.

"Every family is different and another mother might feel she can manage things."

In a resignation letter to David Cameron, Mrs Mensch wrote: "I am very sorry that despite my best efforts, I have been unable to make the balancing act work for our family."

He replied that he would have liked to see her serve "for longer and at a more senior level".

(NE)