Royston Smith, the Conservative member of parliament for Southampton Itchen, which includes Bitterne Park, has announced he won’t be seeking re-election at the next general election.
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In a statement on his website, Smith expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve the city where he said he was born, raised, and raised his own family.
He recounted his political journey, which began in 2000 as a representative for the Harefield ward and culminated in winning three general elections as an MP.
Citing the toll of a life spent travelling and being away from home, Smith stated that it was time to pass the baton to a new generation and focus on spending more time with his loved ones. He pledged to continue representing his constituents until the next election and expressed his unwavering support for the prime minister, Rishi Sunak.
It’s yet to be determined who the Conservatives will stand in his place to defend the seat at the next election.
As reported, last summer Labour selected Bitterne Park resident and former deputy leader of the council Darren Paffey, pictured right, as their parliamentary candidate for Itchen. He represents Bargate ward as a city councillor.
At the last general election in 2019 Smith held the seat for the Conservatives with a 4,498 majority over Labour.
Political forecasting website Electoral Calculus currently predicts Labour would have a 95% chance of winning the Southampton Itchen seat if there were an immediate general election. Nationally it is currently predicting Labour will achieve a majority of 190 seats.
But a lot could happen before the next general election, which isn’t due until January 2025 – although it could be called sooner.
Royston Smith’s full statement is here.
L Weedy contributed to this report