By Gavin Mackintosh-
Sir James Duddridge, the Member of Parliament for Rochford and Southend East, has announced that he will not be standing in the next General Election, bringing an end to his 18-year career as an elected representative.
The 52-year-old politician shared the news via Twitter, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve his constituents since 2005 and expressing excitement for “new challenges.”
The Southend Mp’s office recently intervened on behalf of a widow whose husband died after a needle operation went wrong following his visit to Southend hospital for an infection.
Ellie Sayers complained to the Mps office after her husband, Tony Sayers mysteriously died at Southend hospital and she was unable to obtain an explanation for his death.
The hospital said it was still investigating the death.
Duddridge’s representatives at the time told The Eye Of Media.Com that they had contacted Southend hospital in relation to the death.
Duddridge’s political journey has been marked by a longstanding commitment to public service.
A prominent figure within the Conservative Party, Mr Duddridge joined politics in the late 1980s under the leadership of Margaret Thatcher. Over the course of his career, he contested six General Elections and two local government elections, consistently bolstering the Conservative vote in each instance.
His most recent role was Minister of State for International Trade in the Truss government, a position he held until October 2022. Duddridge faced a significant political setback when he was dismissed by newly appointed Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Despite this, he continued to serve his constituents diligently.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, Duddridge conveyed his decision to step down, stating, “It has been an honour to serve the people of Rochford and Southend East since 2005. I think I have done my time. Forgive me for moving on to do other things.”
Reflecting on his political journey, Duddridge expressed gratitude to friends and supporters in Southend, Rochford, Westminster, and Africa, acknowledging their role in his political career.
He emphasized the importance of embracing new challenges and spending more time with his family in Southend.
Duddridge’s departure marks the end of an era in South Essex politics. As the constituency prepares for the next General Election, attention will undoubtedly turn to potential successors and the impact of Duddridge’s legacy on the local political landscape.