South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon to step aside at next general election

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon has spoken about his his decision to stand down as an MP at the next general election.

Mr Bacon, who has been the constituency’s MP since 2001, revealed at the end of last week that he would not be standing again.

Talking to the Diss Express, he said he had been thinking of his move away from Westminster for some time.

He added: “My greatest satisfaction as an MP is that through my constituency surgeries I have been able to help many, many people who were facing sometimes very great difficulties and often help to sort things out – sometimes in life-changing ways.

“I have many happy memories from the last two decades and I am glad to have been able to see through changes to the law on housing to make it easier for people to build a house. There is still much to do in this area and I will pursue this interest after I leave Parliament.

“South Norfolk is a wonderful area with many friendly people who have an unflappable approach to life and a strong sense of community.

“Local people are often quite traditional and not always very demonstrative but if you want to know what they are really like, just think back to the return of the East Anglian Regiment from Afghanistan when more than 10,000 people packed the streets of Diss to say ‘thank you’.

“While it is no secret that some Conservative members did not want me to stand again, I have been heartened by many messages from others who urged me to keep going. However, it’s time for a fresh face. There are many things I would like to do in life which are not possible while serving a an MP. I wish my successor well.”