Sir Brandon Lewis divided opinion, say Great Yarmouth constituents

People have been giving mixed reactions to the news that their local MP will not contest the next general election.

Sir Brandon Lewis, who was first elected to the Commons in 2010, said he told the Great Yarmouth Conservative Association of his decision.

He has held eight ministerial roles including Lord Chancellor, and was also Conservative Party chairman.

Some voters in Great Yarmouth said they liked him while one resident said: "Good riddance".

Sir Brandon said he would continue to serve his constituency until Parliament was dissolved.

Linda and Brian Avis, both 75 and from Great Yarmouth, said they thought the country had grown tired of the Conservatives in government.

"They're all in it for themselves," said Ms Avis.

"We did like him and he's done a lot, hasn't he. But I think everybody's fed up with the government now. Just needs a big change."

Mr Avis added: "We need a new government. They don't do anything for the pensioners; they don't do anything for the young. It's all the high-ups."

Asked whether she would consider standing as MP herself, Ms Avis said: "I wouldn't. I wouldn't do that job to save my life."

Teresa Flaxman, 75, said: "Good riddance to him. I once wrote a letter to his office and I never even got an acknowledgement back.

"I don't think anyone likes him.

"I'm not against the Conservatives. I always used to vote for them, but I just think they've gone down the pan."

When asked whether she thought Sir Brandon was responsible for securing millions of pounds for town regeneration, she added: "I think we would have got that anyway."

Sarah Booth, 48, and Jason Jerome, 54, did not know their MP had made the announcement.

"That does surprise me, but does it make any difference? I think they're all mouth and no trousers," said Ms Booth.

Mr Jerome said: "It will be Labour in for a few years and then the Tories again after that.

"It's the status quo, isn't it. People get upset after a few years and then it's the next one, so maybe he's seen that."

Andrew Sinclair, BBC East of England political correspondent

Sir Brandon Lewis is just the latest in a long line of Conservative MPs (65 at the last count) who, despite being still relatively young, have decided that it's time to move on.

And with the Tories so far behind in the opinion polls, you can't help but wonder if after 14 years at the centre of power, they either don't fancy their own chances or they're not relishing the prospect of spending perhaps quite a few years on the opposition benches.

Sir Brandon's departure will sadden many Conservatives. He's a master tactician who knows how to win elections and he's always been popular with the party membership. A friend and confident of several prime ministers, he's also been a big behind-the-scenes player.

Tories hoped he would play a big role in reshaping the party if they lost the election. He's decided he wants to do something else. And I don't think he's going to be the last.

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