ANDY Carter has announced that he will not stand for re-election as MP for Warrington South.

In a statement this evening, Tuesday, Mr Carter said he does not intend to seek re-adoption as the Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the Conservative Party in the constituency at the next General Election.

He has been the Member of Parliament for Warrington South since the General Election in 2019.

This came following a career in the media, having previously worked as managing director of one of the UK’s largest radio groups.

He said: “I have thought long and hard about this decision.

“It is a tremendous honour to be able to represent all Warrington South residents in Parliament, and I love being able to help constituents.

“However, having discussed with my family, I plan to pursue new opportunities, so now is the right time to be open with constituents and my local party.

“I will continue to serve as the MP for Warrington South until the time of the next General Election, and I am fully committed to continuing to championing local priorities in Parliament.

“These include prioritising the redevelopment of brownfield land at Fiddlers Ferry, improving public transport locally as a result of £42million Government funding to secure a new fleet of zero emission buses, and working with Conservative councillors on Warrington Borough Council holding the Labour administration to account.

“There is still lots to do locally, but I am really proud to have championed education opportunities, securing £6million for a re-build of Penketh High School, holding an annual apprentice and training fair in Warrington attended by more than 2,000 young people – with another planned for next year –  and the launch of two training academies in Warrington, funded by the UK Government’s Town Deal to address skills shortages in social care and construction techniques.

“Finally, it goes without saying that I have a great team who work with me in Warrington and Westminster.

“I would like to thank them publicly for their ongoing support in delivering for constituents, as well as the dedicated and hardworking group of Conservative volunteers who help to campaign across the area.”

The Guardian reported earlier this month that Mr Carter has been given permission by the Conservatives to fight another seat at the next election.

A change in the size of constituencies will see Lymm, and its large Tory vote, move to Tatton.

That coupled with national polling would make Labour favourite to win the seat when an election is called, most likely next year.

On Mr Carter’s decision, president of Warrington Conservatives Wendy Maisey added: “Andy is an outstanding Member of Parliament for Warrington South.

“The investment he has secured for our town will be his ultimate legacy, and I would personally like to thank him for the commitment he has shown, and for the diligence and attention to detail throughout his term.

“Having an MP that is invested in our town, living locally and bringing his family up here, makes a massive difference to outcomes.

“I know Andy will continue to work hard right up to the next General Election for the constituents of Warrington South.”