The comments made by Greg Hands, the former Conservative MP for Chelsea and Fulham on 5 August 2026.
I have decided not to put myself forward for selection in the Chelsea & Fulham constituency, or any other constituency, at the next General Election.
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.