Sir Graham Brady MP is to stand down at the next general election.

The MP for Altrincham and Sale West and chair of the Conservative Party 1922 Committee released a statement to The Messenger this afternoon.

Elected to the seat 26 years ago, at the time of a landslide by the Labour Party led by Tony Blair, Sir Graham defended the seat another six times.

He said his role in the House of Commons was 'an immense privilege'.

In a statement, Sir Graham said: "Representing my hometown in the House of Commons has been an immense privilege for which I will always be grateful.

"My colleagues in the House of Commons have also given me the unique opportunity of chairing the 1922 Committee for longer than anyone else in its 100-year history. I will continue to serve until the end of the parliament, if they want me to.

"I will continue to do everything I can to support the Conservative cause and Rishi Sunak. He is bringing both stability and vision as Prime Minister.

"In 2024, I will campaign locally and nationally for the return of a Conservative Government, that is in the national interest and in the interests of my constituents.

"I will continue to work hard in the service of the residents of Altrincham and Sale West, offering my judgment and experience until the end of the parliament.

"I have decided to bring this fascinating and fulfilling chapter of my life to a close while I am young enough to pursue other opportunities and interests, so I will not be standing at the next election."

Born in Salford and educated at Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, then Durham University, Sir Graham was still in his 20s when he was elected as the replacement for veteran Conservative MP Fergus Montgomery.

He became chair of the 1922 Committee in 2010 and held onto the role to this day, apart from a short stint on the sidelines four years ago when there were reports of an attempt at the leadership of the Conservative Party.

Although his majority at the last election was more than 6,000, the polls suggested the MP for Altrincham and Sale West could come under pressure in the next election in less than two years' time.

The Conservative Party needs to select a new candidate for the seat, with the Labour Party in line to select  its own candidate later this month.

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.