Greg Hands, the former Conservative trade minister and long-serving MP for Chelsea and Fulham, has announced he will not stand for selection at the next General Election. In a statement on X, he said that after 19 years as an MP and 12 as a minister, "it is time for me to face new challenges and for a successor Conservative candidate to win back the seat from Labour."
Political Career and Recent Defeat
Mr Hands held the Chelsea and Fulham seat from its creation in 2010 until 2024, having previously represented its predecessor, Hammersmith and Fulham, since 2005. At the 2024 election, he was defeated by Labour's Ben Coleman by 152 votes, a significant upset in a traditionally Conservative stronghold.
He continues to be a member of the Conservative Party and a supporter of its leader, Kemi Badenoch, as he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).
Current Roles and Honours
Mr Hands is currently an adviser to EP Group, a conglomerate led by Czech billionaire Daniel Křetínský, known in the UK for its takeover of Royal Mail. He also chairs GRID-UK and holds other private sector roles. In the latest King's Birthday Honours, he received a knighthood in recognition of his parliamentary and political service.
Statement and Local Reaction
In his statement, Mr Hands expressed confidence in the Conservatives' chances of regaining the seat, citing the narrow 2024 loss. He wrote: "Under Kemi Badenoch’s strong leadership, a Conservative gain ought to be within reach, if the hard work is put in." He also thanked local party members and constituents, noting he was elected five times.
Jose Afonso, Leader of the Conservative opposition on Hammersmith and Fulham Council, praised Mr Hands as "a local titan" whose positive impact will be felt for years, adding that his successor will have "very big shoes to fill."
Mr Hands did not rule out a future return to Parliament, saying nothing is excluded. The Conservative Party had not responded to a request about candidate announcements at the time of publication.
