Conservative Bob Stewart has announced he will resign as MP for Beckenham after being found guilty of racially aggravated breach of order.
Mr Stewart, who has represented the south-east London constituency since 2010, relinquished his party whip following his conviction.
He is currently an independent and has no plans to seek re-election.
Making the announcement on X (formerly Twitter), he said he was “honored and honored” to take on the role.
The 74-year-old said: “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has given me this opportunity. However, the time has come for a new candidate and I do not wish to seek re-election in the next election.” Ta.
Westminster Magistrates’ Court heard last month that Mr Stewart was attending an event hosted by the Bahrain embassy when Saeed Ahmed Alwaday asked him: “Bob Stewart, how much did you sell yourself to the Bahrain regime?” The inquest heard that he shouted.
The lawmaker, who was stationed in Bahrain as an army officer in the 1960s, told campaigners to “get off your chest”, adding: “Bahrain is a great place. It’s over.”
Mr. Alwadai, director of advocacy at the Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy, challenged Mr. Stewart about his ties to Bahrain, asking whether he had ever received money from the Bahrain government.
Stewart responded: “Get out, I hate you. I’m going to make a fuss. Go back to Bahrain.”
The clash took place outside Lancaster House, the Foreign Office in Westminster, and the MP was fined £600 and ordered to pay £835 in court costs.
The BBC understands that Mr Stewart is considering appealing his conviction.
A crowdfunding page set up by Bassetlaw Conservative MP Brendan Clarke-Smith to help cover Mr Stewart’s fine and further legal costs has so far raised more than £18,000. .
Beckenham’s constituency is expected to change at the next general election, subject to a regular review process.
The Boundary Commission of England proposed new constituencies for Beckenham and Penge.