A SOUTHEND MP has announced he will stand down from his leadership role on an influential Tory backbench committee.

David Amess, the Conservative MP for Southend West, has revealed he will not try to retain his seat on the executive of the 1922 Committee.

His move comes amid rumours that younger Tory MPs will attempt to remove some of the old guard from the committee, which is seen as a barometer for backbench emotions, when it elects a new executive on Wednesday.

In a brief statement, Mr Amess said the committee played “a crucial role within the Conservative Party, particularly in choosing the party leader.”