Liberal frontbencher Paul Fletcher to retire from politics

Coalition frontbencher and former minister Paul Fletcher is retiring from politics.

Fletcher will step down following next year's federal election after announcing he has no plans to run again.

In a statement, the NSW Liberal MP said it has been a "privilege" to serve as member for Bradfield and a senior opposition frontbencher.

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"Last week I marked 15 years as member for Bradfield. Renewal is healthy, for people and institutions, and now is the right time to hand over the baton," Fletcher said.

"I expect some outstanding people will put themselves forward to be the next Liberal candidate for Bradfield, and to serve the people of Bradfield with energy and commitment. 

"That Liberal candidate, once chosen through our party processes, will have my full support."

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He said the mood is "discernably different" compared to the 2022 election and would keep working for Dutton before Australia heads to the polls next year.

Fletcher revealed he would be returning to the private sector once his term in politics ends.

He is the second senior Liberal frontbencher to resign in a matter of weeks following Coalition senate leader Simon Birmingham's retirement announcement.

In a statement, opposition leader Peter Dutton said Fletcher had served his constituents with "commitment and courage".

"Paul has been a trusted part of my leadership team, and I am incredibly grateful for his loyalty – not only to me but to all of his Liberal colleagues," Dutton said.

"My best wishes to Paul, his wife Manuela, and their sons, Gabriel and Hugo."