At the recent Maidstone & Malling AGM, Helen Grant OBE MP confirmed that she will stand down as Member of Parliament for Maidstone & Malling at the next general election, which is expected in 2029.
Mrs Grant noted that by the time of that election she will have served in Parliament for nineteen years. She was first elected as MP for Maidstone & The Weald in 2010, and in 2024 became the MP for the newly‑drawn constituency of Maidstone & Malling following boundary changes. She described representing both constituencies as “the greatest privilege of my professional life” and expressed her pride in what has been achieved in partnership with local members and constituents.
She explained that, while she remains well and is thankfully free of cancer following major surgery and treatment in 2023–24, the illness has reinforced her view that now is the right moment to start to pass the baton.
Mrs Grant’s selection in January 2008 allowed her almost two and a half years to settle into the role after Ann Widdecombe confirmed in October 2007 that she would be stepping down. She now wishes to ensure that her successor has a similar period in which to build their profile within the constituency.
Mrs Grant confirmed that she has discussed her decision with her Party Leader, Kemi Badenoch, and to advise her that she also intends to step down from her role as Shadow Solicitor General at the next reshuffle. She thanked Mrs Badenoch for her outstanding leadership and friendship during “one of the most fulfilling periods” of her parliamentary career.
Mrs Grant emphasised that she will continue to serve the constituency and the Association fully until the general election and will give her complete support to the candidate selected to succeed her.
She expressed deep gratitude to members of both Maidstone & The Weald and Maidstone & Malling Conservative Associations for their support across five general elections and said that representing the community had been “a huge honour”. She added that Kent holds “a special place in my heart, and in Simon’s, which we shall both cherish forever.”
This statement was originally scheduled for release on the evening of Friday 10 July, following Helen Grant’s Conservative Association AGM. In light of the tragic and shocking events surrounding the announcement of the death of Ann Widdecombe earlier that day, publication was paused as a mark of respect.
