Third Suffolk MP to stand down at general election

An MP has said she will stand down at the next general election adding it had been "the honour of her life".

Jo Churchill, Conservative MP for Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, informed Rishi Sunak of her decision before making the announcement on social media on Thursday.

In her letter to the prime minister she said she had "taken much pride in serving in government".

The move means that she is now the third MP in Suffolk to announce they will not be standing in the general election on 4 July.

Ms Churchill said in her letter that committing to the build of the new West Suffolk hospital, driving upgrades to the A14 and "supporting many wonderful businesses and institutions" had been highlights of the role.

She said: "I have the utmost respect for the difficult job that you do in protecting us and assure you of my constant support until the next election".

She added that she would "deliver for my constituents in Bury St Edmunds and Stowmarket serving their needs and championing this wonderful part of Suffolk" until the election.

On Wednesday the prime minister set a date for the next general election.

Suffolk MPs Matt Hancock and Dan Poulter will also not be contesting seats they have held since 2010.

A new constituency will also be contested, Waveney Valley, which crosses the border between Suffolk and Norfolk.

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