West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock to stand down at next election
Former health secretary and I’m A Celeb campmate says he won't stand for election for the Conservatives
Last updated 7th Dec 2022
West Suffolk MP Matt Hancock, the former health secretary and I’m A Celebrity… campmate, has said he will not stand for the Conservatives at the next general election.
Mr Hancock was stripped of the Conservative whip after it emerged he was joining the reality TV show, prompting speculation about his political future.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, he told Rishi Sunak: “It has been an honour to serve in Parliament and represent the people of West Suffolk.
“I will play my part in the debate about the future of our country and engage with the public in new ways.”
Mt Hancock continued: “It has been a huge honour to serve as Member of Parliament for West Suffolk over the past twelve years.
"I am very proud of what we achieved, including the establishment of three Free Schools, dualling of the A11, supporting the horseracing industry, and expanding Newmarket Hospital.
"I will of course continue to represent all my constituents between now and the next election."
Mr Hancock has held the West Suffolk seat since 2010 and and joined the government as a Cabinet Office Minister in 2015.
Mr Hancock finished 3rd in the reality TV show
The ex-Tory MP returned to Westminster last week from Australia following his controversial spell on ITV’s I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here in which he finished third.
WINNER: Jill Scott
Third place vote: 47.29%
Final vote: 57.66%
2ND PLACE: Owen Warner
Third place vote: 30.99%
Final vote: 42.34%
3RD PLACE: Matt Hancock
Third place vote: 21.72%
He claimed to have headed into the jungle in order to raise awareness around the issue of dyslexia.
He has focused his time since returning to Westminster on trying to get the law changed to compel schools to screen for the condition.