Norwich North MP Chloe Smith to stand down at next General Election
Ms Smith has held the seat since 2009 and been appointed to a range of ministerial roles
Last updated 22nd Nov 2022
Chloe Smith, MP for Norwich North, has announced she will stand down at the next general election.
She's held the seat since 2009, and next year will become the longest serving MP for either Norwich constituency in modern history.
The MP has held a range of ministerial roles, most recently serving as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions under Liz Truss.
She also held positions the government's led by David Cameron, Theresea May and Boris Johnson.
But she was forced to return to the backbenches when Rishi Sunak put his cabinet together and reshuffled her out.
"I hope I’ve been able to make a difference, locally and nationally."
In a statement, Ms Smith said it's the right time to step back, for her and her young family.
“I have been honoured to be Norwich North’s MP. It’s a fantastic job for a fantastic place, and it’s a particular privilege to be able to represent Norwich and Norfolk where I come from.
“I am grateful to the thousands of Norwich citizens who placed their trust in me so many times. I would also like to thank my team of volunteers who work so hard alongside me to help the community, and who have been so supportive, including during tough personal times.
“I hope I’ve been able to make a difference, locally and nationally. In 2024, after fifteen years of service, it will be the right time to step back, for me and my young family.”
What happens now?
Chloe Smith will continue her work as MP for Norwich North MP until the next General Election.
Norwich Conservatives will now begin the process of selecting a new candidate for the seat, which has had its boundaries changed. These changes mean constituency will now include the village of Drayton.
Other candidates who will stand in Norwich North at the next election include Labour's Alice Macdonald and the Green Party's Ben Price.