Greg Hands represented the constituency from its inception in 2010 until 2024, and before that was the MP for Hammersmith and Fulham
The former Conservative trade minister and long-time Chelsea and Fulham MP Greg Hands has said he will not put himself forward for selection for the next General Election.
Mr Hands has written in a statement published on X that, having been an MP for 19 years and a minister for 12, “it is time for me to face new challenges and for a successor Conservative candidate to win back the seat from Labour”.
He further told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he continues to be a Conservative member and supporter of the party leader, Kemi Badenoch.
Mr Hands held the Chelsea and Fulham seat from its inception in 2010 until 2024, having represented its precursor, Hammersmith and Fulham, since 2005.
He was defeated by the Labour candidate Ben Coleman at the 2024 election, a major coup given the seat’s reputation as a Tory stronghold. He lost by 152 votes.
Mr Hands is currently employed as an adviser to EP Group, a conglomerate headed by the Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský which is perhaps best known in the UK for its takeover of Royal Mail.
The former MP also received a knighthood in the latest King’s Birthday Honours in recognition of his parliamentary and political service.
In a statement on X Mr Hands revealed he has decided not to put himself for selection in Chelsea and Fulham or any other constituency at the next General Election.
He wrote: “This has come after considerable reflection, but I have decided to hand over the reins to somebody else to fly the Conservative flag. I believe strongly that the Conservatives are well placed to regain Chelsea & Fulham, having lost by only 152 votes in 2024.
“Under Kemi Badenoch’s strong leadership, a Conservative gain ought to be within reach, if the hard work is put in. I was the MP for nineteen years, and a Government Minister for 12 years (only Michael Gove served longer in the 2010-24 governments), and it is time for me to face new challenges and for a successor Conservative candidate to win back the seat from Labour, as I did in 2005.
“Since last year I have been working for the EP Group and owner Daniel Kretinsky, and chairing GRID-UK, among other private sector roles.
“I remain active in UK politics and political commentary and have long been a strong supporter of Kemi Badenoch, who is Britain’s best hope for the future.
“I would like to thank the Kensington, Chelsea & Fulham Conservatives for selecting and supporting me, and the people of Chelsea & Fulham (and previously Hammersmith) who elected me 5 times to be their MP. It was, throughout, an honour and a privilege. I wish my successor well.”
Asked about his decision, Mr Hands told the LDRS his 19 years in Parliament makes him the longest-serving MP for Chelsea or Fulham for “many decades”.
He also reiterated his ongoing support for Ms Badenoch’s leadership and the party, and that he believes it should regain the constituency at the next General Election.
On whether he will ever look to run as an MP again he simply said nothing is ruled out.
Jose Afonso, Leader of the Conservative opposition on Hammersmith and Fulham Council, said: “Greg was a local titan who made a positive difference to the lives of residents in Chelsea and Fulham.
“His ministerial career speaks for itself, and the positive impact he left will continue to be felt for many years to come.
“It was a privilege to have worked with Greg for many years. Whoever is selected as the candidate for Chelsea and Fulham will have very big shoes to fill.”
The Conservative Party was contacted to ask when candidates are to be announced though we had not received a response at the time of publication.
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