Widdecombe's successor to step down as MP

The Kent MP who succeeded Ann Widdecombe has announced she is to stand down at the next general election.

Helen Grant, who replaced Widdecombe as MP for Maidstone and the Weald in 2010, said that, while "major cancer surgery and treatment" in 2023-24 had left her illness free, it had "reinforced her view that now is the right moment to pass the baton".

Posting on X on Sunday night, her office said she had originally intended to reveal her decision earlier this month, but postponed it "as a mark of respect" after news about Widdecombe's suspected murder.

Grant described representing both constituencies as "the greatest privilege of my professional life".

The statement read: "At the Annual General Meeting of the Maidstone & Malling Conservative Association on 10 July, Helen Grant OBE confirmed that she will stand down as MP at the next general election, which is expected in 2029.

"Mrs Grant noted that by the time of that election she will have served in Parliament for 19 years, and she expressed her pride in what has been achieved in partnership with local members and constituents."

"She now wishes to ensure that her successor has a period in which to build their profile within the constituency."

MP for the newly‑drawn constituency of Maidstone and Malling following boundary changes in 2024, Grant has also confirmed to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch that she intends to step down from her role as Shadow Solicitor General at the next reshuffle.

Grant had recently called for a memorial to Widdecombe, who was found dead at her home in Devon on 9 July, to be installed in Parliament.

A 28-year-old white British man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Counter terrorism police have said they suspect she was killed in a "targeted attack", adding that detectives were working to understand the motive.

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