Courts has written to colleagues at the Department for Transport telling them he will return to the back benches.
In the letter he said: “I would like to thank the aviation, maritime and security sectors for their kindness and help to me, and whose passion for their trades and contribution to our national life is the pride and credit of the nation.
“May you forever be at the centre of all government does. You should be.”
It is not yet known who will replace Courts, whose profile currently remains on the DfT website. His departure follows the earlier dismissal of transport secretary Grant Shapps.
