Former Prime Minister David Cameron is to resign from his position as the MP for Witney.

Cameron has represented the area since 2001 and his resignation will now trigger a by-election in the Oxfordshire constituency.

In a statement following his decision to step down as an MP he reiterated his support for his successor as Prime Minister, Theresa May.

He said: "Having fully considered my position over the summer, I have decided that I am going to stand down as the member of parliament for Witney.

"There will now be a by-election and I will do everything that I can to help the Conservative candidate win that election.

"In my view, the circumstances of my resignation as Prime Minister and the realities of modern politics make it very difficult to continue on the back benches without the risk of becoming a diversion to the important decisions that lie ahead for my successor in Downing Street and the government.

"I fully support Theresa May and have every confidence that Britain will thrive under her strong leadership."

Cameron resigned as Prime Minister on the steps of Number 10 following the UK's vote to leave the EU in June.