News / Politics
Chris Skidmore to stand down as Kingswood Tory MP at next election
Conservative MP Chris Skidmore has announced he will not be standing in the next election after representing Kingswood for 12 years.
Skidmore, 41, said he would not be looking to stand elsewhere when expected boundary changes abolish his constituency.
“With no alternative seat, I have decided that I do not wish to fight another constituency elsewhere in the region or country, especially with a very young family who deserve to see more of their father in their lives,” the former science minister wrote in a letter posted on Twitter.
is needed now More than ever
He added: “Rather than step aside, I hope that in the future I can step up to continue to play my own small part in helping to deliver on the energy transition that the world needs.”
The new constituency of Bristol North East
Proposed boundary changes would see see half of Skidmore’s seat join Keynsham and the other be part of a new Bristol North East seat, incorporating Lockleaze, Eastville and Hillfields within Bristol City Council, and Staple Hill and Mangotsfield in South Glos.
Current city mayor Marvin Rees announced he will “throw his hat into the ring” to be in the running to become the city’s fifth MP for the new constituency.
Skidmore, who was born and grew up in Kingswood, said: “There has been no greater honour in my life than to have represented my home area in parliament.”
He continued: “I have been extremely fortunate to have fought and won four general elections, raising my share of the vote each time.
“I would like to thank local constituents for putting their trust and faith in me to serve as their local MP.
Having served as minister of state for Universities, Science, Research and Innovation in which he signed UK’s net zero pledge into law, Skidmore said he now wants to focus on the UK reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
He is the ninth Tory to announce their exit plans as the party grapples with worsening opinion polls.
Main photo: Chris Skidmore
Read next:
- Claire Hazlegrove is Labour candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke
- Bristol cabinet member Tom Rehnhard hoping to become Gloucester MP
- Bristol is a step closer to getting a fifth MP
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