No comeback for former MP as Villiers rules out Tomlinson rematch

Dame Theresa said that after “careful reflection” she would be not be putting herself forward for selection for the next general election reports David Floyd

Former MP Theresa Villiers – (Credit – parliament.uk)

The former Conservative MP for Chipping Barnet will not be attempting a comeback at the next general election.

Dame Theresa Villiers, a former cabinet minister, who lost her seat to Labour’s Dan Tomlinson in 2024, confirmed today that following “careful reflection” she would not be putting her name forward.

Under Conservative Party rules, the former MP – who had been included on the party’s national candidates list – would have been automatically shortlisted for selection without going through a local interview process and would then have faced other shortlisted candidates in a vote of local members.

Talking to Barnet Post while campaigning for the party in this year’s local elections, Dame Theresa had not ruled out a potential rematch with Tomlinson, who is a junior minister in Andy Burnham’s Labour government.

However, the Post understands there were mixed views amongst local activists about whether she would be the right candidate for the party at the next poll, which is due to take place in 2029 (if not earlier).

Local Tories feel they have a good chance of retaking Chipping Barnet, which they had previously held since it was created in 1974.

Tomlinson took the seat with a majority of 2,914 (5.7%) in 2024 but results in wards in the constituency at this year’s local elections showed the Conservatives leading Labour by 7%.

However, tactical voting could be a factor as over a third of Chipping Barnet voters backed either Reform UK, the Greens or the Liberal Democrats this year, and may pick either Labour or the Tories in a clear two-way contest at a general election.

In her statement, Dame Theresa said “In just a few weeks’ time, the Chipping Barnet Conservatives will begin the process of choosing their candidate for the next general election.

“After careful reflection, I have decided not to put my name forward to be that candidate. Nor will I be applying to stand in other constituencies.”

She added: “I believe the Conservatives have a great chance of regaining Chipping Barnet, but it is time to hand over to someone new to tackle that challenge.

“I am grateful to Kemi Badenoch for having appointed me to the Conservative candidates list. I strongly back her leadership. I will continue to campaign energetically for the Conservative cause, in Barnet and beyond.”

The former MP said she would be focusing on writing and her academic career, including an MPhil/PHD at UCL, which she would be starting in October.

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