Heywood and Middleton MP Chris Clarkson to stand down at next general election

Chris Clarkson MP at Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus

Conservative MP Chris Clarkson has announced he will stand down at the next general election, due to boundary changes to his constituency.

Mr Clarkson was elected in December 2019, the first-ever Conservative victory for the Heywood and Middleton seat, which was previously held by Labour. Mr Clarkson was elected with a majority of 663 votes ahead of then-MP Liz McInnes.

The next UK general election – which will see people vote for their MP and government – is scheduled to be held no later than 28 January 2025.

However, the current Heywood and Middleton constituency is set to be replaced by two new seats, Heywood County, and Manchester Blackley.

The changes will mean the renamed constituency will be made up of the three Heywood wards, the West and North Middleton wards, Castleton, Norden, Bamford and Spotland and Falinge wards.

South Middleton and East Middleton will be hived off to the new ‘Manchester Blackley’ constituency.

In a statement Mr Clarkson said: "Being the Member of Parliament for Heywood and Middleton has been the honour of my life and I was humbled when people put their trust in me in December 2019.

“Following the Boundary Review's recommendation that the current Heywood and Middleton seat be replaced by a new Heywood seat and a new Manchester Blackley seat I have decided not to seek selection for either.

“Until the next General Election is called, I will continue to work hard for the people I have the privilege of representing.”