A former Tory MP who was facing the prospect of being removed from his seat by voters has announced he is resigning from parliament.

Scott Benton, who represents Blackpool South, said it had been “the honour of a lifetime to represent our wonderful Blackpool community in parliament over the last four years”.

“It’s with a heavy heart that I have written to the chancellor this morning to tender my resignation as your MP.”

The move will likely trigger a by-election, unless Rishi Sunak calls a general election sooner.