Craig Mackinlay - the bionic MP who lost his arms and legs to sepsis - has decided not to fight the election because it has come too soon for his recovery, GB News can reveal.
Mackinlay was given a standing ovation on Wednesday when he returned to Parliament after the quadruple amputation after he contracted Sepsis last September.
He had told GB News that he intended to stand again for Parliament when it was assumed there would be a November general election.
However, he said that after "36 hours of intense soul searching" after Rishi Sunak's surprise announcement on Wednesday of a July 4 poll, he has decided to quit as an MP.
Craig Mackinlay announced he will NOT fight in snap General ElectionGB NewsHe said that the suddenness of the election campaign meant it would be "difficult to withstand the rigours of an all-out election campaign, a campaign that I’d always wish to lead from the front".
In a statement to GB News he said: "Whilst my heart tells me to stand again, there being so much unfinished business across local regeneration and national issues which are important to me, my head knows this to be impossible at this time.
"It would be difficult to withstand the rigours of an all-out election campaign, a campaign that I’d always wish to lead from the front. Thereafter, upon being re-elected it would be difficult for me to sustain 70 to 80-hour working weeks which were the norm prior to my illness.
"I had hoped to phase my return to the House of Commons over the coming months as my abilities improved. Since leaving in-patient rehabilitation a month ago my life now revolves around various medical appointments.
"I face numerous future operations as a result of the serious sepsis that I suffered which very nearly took my life. I have only just started the prosthetic journey and I have weekly physiotherapy and occupational therapy sessions."
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Mr Mackinlayhe wants to be known as the first 'bionic MP' after he was fitted with prosthetic legs and handsCraig Mackinlay/GB NewsMackinlay's recovery was the subject of a well-received documentary on GB News on Tuesday night.
Mackinlay added: "I had the most memorable appearance of my time as an MP at this week’s PMQs: it was emotional and the experience quite surreal. I shall never forget it. I had expected it to be the start of my return. It will, however, be remembered as my last hurrah."
Mackinlay said he would now devote his time to campaigning for greater awareness of Sepsis.
Craig Mackinlay had both hands and feet amputated after developing Sepsis
GB NEWSHe said: "I will now campaign to raise awareness for, and particularly the early recognition of, the onset of sepsis. If this results in the saving of one life or the prevention of the type of disablement that I have suffered it will be a worthwhile campaign.
"I will also do all that I can to ensure that multiple limb loss amputees get the right prosthetics at the right time to ensure that lives can return to as close to normality as possible.
"To be elected to the House of Commons is a rare privilege of life. I thank my South Thanet
