Tim Loughton, the Conservative MP for East Worthing & Shoreham, has announced that he will not be standing at the next general election. Loughton has held his position since 1997 and has won seven general elections. In a post on social media platform, X, Loughton confirmed the news, remarked “it was “wiser to leave five minutes too soon than to continue for five years too long” and expressed support for both the prime minister and his constituents as his remaining time in the House of Commons comes to a close.
Loughton’s decision follows that of 64 Conservative MPs who have chosen not to seek re-election or to stand down from the Commons. Loughton won the East Worthing & Shoreham constituency in the last general election, with a majority of 7,474 (14.1%). By announcing his departure with some time before an impending general election, Loughton will give the Conservative Party enough time to select his successor.
David Batchelor is Liberal Democrat candidate running for the seat, joined by Labour’s Tom Rutland. While the Conservative Party has not yet announced their chosen candidate to replace Loughton, it is expected that a general election will occur in the autumn.
Loughton not only served as an MP for more than two decades, but also served as deputy chairman on the Home Affairs Select Committee. In his final months serving on the backbenches, he anticipates remaining “totally focused” on supporting the prime minister and his constituents
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