Greg Hands, the former Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham, has announced he will not seek selection as a candidate for the next General Election. The decision ends a 19-year parliamentary career that included 12 years as a government minister.
Statement on X
In a statement published on X, Mr Hands said: "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."
He added: "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."
Career Highlights
Mr Hands held the Chelsea and Fulham seat from its creation in 2010 until 2024, having previously represented its predecessor constituency, Hammersmith and Fulham, since 2005. He was defeated by Labour's Ben Coleman in the 2024 election, a significant upset in a traditionally safe Conservative seat.
Following his electoral defeat, Mr Hands was appointed as an adviser to EP Group, a conglomerate led by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, known in the UK for its takeover of Royal Mail. He also received a knighthood in the King's Birthday Honours for his parliamentary and political service.
Continued Party Support
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), Mr Hands confirmed he remains a Conservative member and a supporter of party leader Kemi Badenoch. He said his 19 years in Parliament make him the longest-serving MP for Chelsea or Fulham in "many decades."
When asked if he would ever run for Parliament again, Mr Hands said nothing is ruled out.
Local Reaction
Jose Afonso, Leader of the Conservative opposition on Hammersmith and Fulham Council, paid tribute: "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."
He added: "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."
Next Steps for Conservatives
The Conservative Party has been contacted for comment on when candidates for the next General Election will be announced, but had not responded at the time of publication.
