MP to step down and ‘put family first’ after abuse

A WOLVERHAMPTON MP has announced he will not be defending his seat at the next general election, insisting he will “put his family first” amid abuse and threats.

Stuart Anderson, the Conservative MP for Wolverhampton South West, said he would not be standing for re-election when the next vote is held, widely expected to be next year, due to “personal family reasons”.

Former soldier Mr Anderson (pictured) pledged to continue to serve his constituents up to the next election.

He was only elected to the Wolverhampton seat in 2019 as Boris Johnson secured a thumping majority. The constituency is traditionally a swing seat, and one of the most tightly contested in the West Midlands, and will be a key battleground next time around. It will be a major target for Keir Starmer and Labour as they seek to return to power.

Mr Anderson, a former Herefordshire councillor, said it had been “the greatest honour of my life” to represent Wolverhampton South West.

The dad-of-five has spoken out about death threats he has suffered during his time in the role, while there have also been a number of attacks on his Chapel Ash office.

Mr Anderson said: “It has been the greatest honour of my life to be the Member of Parliament for Wolverhampton South West. “While I will continue to represent my constituents with pride, I have made the decision not to seek re-nomination for personal family reasons.

“Before I came to Wolverhampton, this city had been neglected for decades.

“Since my election, we have secured more than £2 billion for our city’s priorities.

“From extra funding for a new city learning quarter, to investment in our high streets and public services, we have made huge progress in this time.

“The local group of Conservatives will continue to build on this strong track record by assisting the residents of our great city.”

Mr Anderson has faced 19 incidents which have gone to the police over the past 18 months, including death threats and vandalism.

Meanwhile, fellow Conservative MP Nicola Richards, who represents West Bromwich East, will also be stepping down, citing a “change in (her) domestic circumstances”.

“I am incredibly grateful to the people of West Bromwich East for their support and encouragement,” she said, adding being an MP had been “the privilege of my life”.