Fifth Essex MP to stand down at general election

Another longstanding Conservative MP has decided to quit following the announcement of a general election.

Eleanor Laing, the MP for Epping Forest and deputy speaker of the House of Commons, posted her resignation on X, formerly known as Twitter.

In a letter to Holly Whitbread, chair of the Epping Forest Conservative Association, she said: "It’s time for me to move aside and give others the opportunities that I’ve been fortunate to have."

She has been the MP for 27 years and at the last general election in 2019 she secured a majority of more than 22,000.

Mrs Laing’s announcement means that out of the 18 Essex constituencies, five serving Conservative MPs have decided not to seek re-election.

This includes the Harlow MP, Robert Halfon, and the Southend East and Rochford member, Sir James Duddridge.

John Baron, who represents Basildon and Billericay, and Will Quince in Colchester, are also stepping down.

More than 100 MPs across the country have announced they will not be seeking re-election in the 4 July poll.

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