Maidstone MP Helen Grant stepping down at next general election after cancer battle

Conservative MP Helen Grant has announced she will step down as Member of Parliament for Maidstone and Malling at the next general election, expected in 2029. The announcement follows major cancer surgery and treatment in 2023–24, which Grant says reinforced her decision that now is the appropriate moment to retire. By the time of that election, Grant will have served 19 years in Parliament.

Health and Timing of Announcement

Grant, who described representing her constituency as "the greatest privilege of my professional life," confirmed her decision at the Annual General Meeting of the Maidstone & Malling Conservative Association on 10 July. Her office stated she had originally intended to announce her decision earlier in the month but postponed it out of respect following news of Ann Widdecombe's death. Widdecombe, Grant's predecessor as MP for the seat starting in 2010, was found dead at her Devon home on 9 July under circumstances police have described as a targeted attack.

Grant expressed pride in achievements accomplished with local members and constituents over her tenure. The timing of her departure will give her successor an opportunity to establish a profile within the constituency before the next election. Additionally, Grant has confirmed to Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch her intention to step down from her role as Shadow Solicitor General at the next party reshuffle.

Opposition Candidate Already Selected

The Liberal Democrats have moved quickly to position themselves as challengers in the seat. Michael Stephens, a 43-year-old foreign affairs and security consultant with credentials from King's College London, was selected as the party's prospective parliamentary candidate on 14 July. Stephens, who holds fellowships with Global Nation and RAND Europe, brings experience in the Middle East and international security policy. The Liberal Democrats finished second in both 2010 and 2015 parliamentary elections in the constituency, though dropped to fourth place most recently.